How to Make a Fabric Tissue Box Cover

bunny needlepoint tissue box on plastic canvas

E-Patternscentral

These directions will make a fabric cover for standard tissue boxes. Be sure to measure a recently purchased box of tissues before you begin, as manufacturers may change packaging. Use the correct opening template for the shape of your tissue box.

A square box of tissues in these directions measures 4 1/2" square x 5 1/2" high.

A rectangular box of tissues in these directions measures 4 3/4" wide x 9 1/2" long x 3" high.

A family-size rectangular box in these directions measures 4 3/4" wide x 9 1/2" long x 4 1/2" high.

Calculate the Cut Sizes for Any Size Tissue Box

  • You will need 4 sides, cut to the length plus 1" x the height plus 1".
  • You will need 2 top pieces, cut to the length plus 1" x the width plus 1".
  • Follow the previous directions for marking and assembling the tissue box cover.
Calculate the Sizes for Any Size Tissue Box. Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Marking tool
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Pinking shears (optional)
  • Tissue opening template (print out of tissue opening template for a square tissue box, or print out of tissue opening template for a rectangular box of tissues and a family-size rectangular box of tissues)

Materials

  • Box of tissues
  • 1/4 to 1/3  yard 45" wide fabric
  • Thread

Instructions

  1. Cut

    For a Square Box of Tissues

    • Top—Cut 2 pieces of fabric 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" for the top.
    • Sides—Cut 4 pieces of fabric 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" for the sides (the 6 1/2" edges will be the vertical sides).

    For a Rectangular Box of Tissues

    • Cut 2 pieces of fabric 10 1/2" x 5 3/4" for the top.
    • Cut 2 pieces of fabric 10 1/2" x 4" for the long sides.
    • Cut 2 pieces of fabric 5 3/4" x 4" for the shorter ends.

    For a Family-Size Rectangular Box of Tissues

    • Cut 4 pieces of fabric 10 1/2" x 5 3/4" (2 for the top and 2 for the long sides.)
    • Cut 2 pieces of fabric 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" for the shorter ends.

    Opening Template

    Print out at 100% and cut out center opening on the line.

  2. Mark

    • On all 4 side pieces, along the top edge, make a mark 1/2" in from the top and side edge.
    • Place the two top pieces wrong sides together. Fold in quarters and crease along folds. Repeat with the cut-out opening template. Unfold both and use the creases to center the opening template on the top pieces. Trace around the curved inner edge of the template.
    Debbie Colgrove
  3. Sew the Tissue Opening

    • Using a short stitch length, sew through both top layers on the opening line marked in the previous step, making sure to backstitch at beginning and end.
    • Starting in the center of the stitched area, trim out the center opening, leaving a very sparse seam allowance. Carefully clip the seam allowance, making sure not to cut stitches, to prevent any puckers when turned outwards.
    • Turn the top right side out, by turning one layer through the opening.
    • Line up all outside edges.
    • Press well.
    Sew the top of the fabric tissue box cover
    Debbie Colgrove
  4. Join the Sides

    • Using a half-inch seam allowance, and backstitching at beginning and end of seam, join the side pieces along the vertical edges, starting at the 1/2" marks at the upper edges, to make a loop.
    • Finish the seams by sewing a zigzag stitch along the raw edges of the seam allowances to prevent fraying or trim with pinking shears.
    • Press the seam allowances open.
    Debbie Colgrove
  5. Hem the Bottom Edge

    • On the bottom edge of the side loop, fold under 1/4" and 1/4" again to enclose the raw edge.
    • Stitch along the upper folded edge to hem.
    Hem the Bottom of the Sides Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
  6. Join the Top and Sides

    • Center one end of the top unit with the sides loop, aligning the side seams with the top corners. Stitch from dot to dot, pivoting at the corners, all around the top.
    • Trim the seam allowances and use a narrow zig zag or pinking shears on the raw edges to prevent fraying.
    • Turn right side out and push the corners out. Press the seam allowance towards the sides.
    • Place the cover on the tissue box and pull tissues through the opening.
    Joining the top and sides Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com