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Why does it seem like tissue brands choose the ugliest patterns to put on tissue boxes? I feel like you really have to hunt to find a good patterned tissue box or use the scratchiest tissues only to get the cutest tissue box!
My solution is a scrap busting sewing project! Sew a reusable fabric tissue box cover that fits all square tissue boxes and can be customized to match your decor.
This beginner friendly sewing project features a double welt pocket without flat but don’t let that intimidate you. I’ll take you through the steps below so you can make one too. Plus it’s a quick sew, you might find yourself making one for every room!
Supplies
Cotton or linen fabric cut to size
Fusible interfacing
Printable Tissue Box Cover Pattern
Matching thread
Scissors
Marking tool, these water soluble pens are my absolute favorite
Sewing Machine
Optional: a cute label
Directions
Step 1 – Cut Fabric
Print out the pattern and cut your fabric to size. Cut out 1 piece of interfacing for the top piece and iron it onto the wrong side of one of the tissue box top fabric.
Step 2 – Mark Pocket
Use the pocket template in the pattern to mark the center pocket on the wrong side of the interfaced piece of fabric. The pocket shape should be positioned parallel to the long side of the tissue box top, as shown in the photo above.
Step 3 – Sew Pocket
Place the Tissue Box Top fabric pieces right sides together. Stitch the pocket; follow the rectangle you just marked in the center of the interfaced piece.
Step 4 – Cut Open Pocket
Use scissors to carefully cut open the pocket along the center, clipping a triangle at either short end.
Step 5 – Turn and Topstitch
Turn the tissue box top piece right sides out and press. Then edgestitch around the pocket opening, about 1/8″ away from the inside edge.
Step 6 – Press & Sew
Fold one long edge in 1/4″ towards the wrong side and press. Fold again another 1/4″ and press.
Pin the short sides of the long panel together, right sides together, and sew with 1/2″ sew allowance. Trim and finish the seam allowance with pinking shears, a zig zag stitch, or a serger.
Fold the pre-pressed hem up twice and edge stitch.
My favorite tool that has become indispensable is the Edge Joining foot. I use it every time I sew a hem. The guide on the bottom of the foot keeps your fabric in place so you keep a consistent width all the way around. It’s also my go-to foot when topstitching too.
Step 7 – Pin Top
Use a marking tool to mark 1/2″ in on each corner of the tissue box top. This is also indicated on the pattern piece. These are pivot points and will make it easier to sew the top in the next step.
With right sides facing, pin one long side of the tissue box top to the side panel as shown. Continue pinning all the way around so that all 4 sides are pinned to the side panel.
Step 8 – Sew
Carefully sew all the way around the top with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Pivot at each marked pivot point in each corner.
Trim and finish the seam allowance with pinking shears, a zig zag stitch, or a serger.
Flip the tissue box cover right sides out, carefully pushing out each corner. Then it’s done! Grab your tissue box and place the cover on it.
Want to add a label to your tissue box? Our larger patch style labels are great for this! Use a washable elmer’s glue stick to temporarily hold the label in place and edge stitch along all sides.