Kitsch Tissue Box Cover – Free Sewing Patterns

The title says it all. The picture shows it all. Make this vintage tissue box cover for you or your grandma!

Get more details about this project

What you need

Quilted fabric
60 cm of wide lace
bias binding tape

Instructions

This sweet little tissue box cover is a lovely way to dress up an everyday tissue box with fabric, lace, bias binding, and tiny bow details. It has that charming vintage/kitsch feel that looks right at home in a bathroom, guest room, sewing room, caravan, or anywhere that needs a little handmade prettiness.

This pattern is designed to fit a 150 tissue box with a centre opening.

A 1 cm seam allowance has been included on the edges where necessary.

Supplies

You will need:

• Quilted fabric
• Lace trim
• Bias binding tape
• Matching sewing thread
• Sewing machine
• Pins or sewing clips
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Iron

Cutting Instructions

From quilted fabric, cut:

• 2 end pieces: 14 cm x 9 cm
• 2 side/top pieces: 26 cm x 12 cm

From bias binding tape, cut:

• 4 tie pieces: 12 cm long each

Step 1: Prepare The Side/Top Pieces

Take the two side/top pieces.

Sew lace trim along one long edge of each side/top piece. This lace will sit along the centre opening where the tissues come through, so choose a lace that is soft and not too bulky.

Once the lace has been stitched in place, cover that same long edge with bias binding tape. The bias binding will neaten the raw edge and help secure the lace.

Press the bias binding carefully before stitching if needed. A quick press makes the edge much easier to sew neatly, especially if the binding has been folded in the packet for a while.

Step 2: Join The Side/Top Pieces At The Ends

Place the two side/top pieces together so that the lace-trimmed edges meet in the centre.

The two lace edges should sit side by side and form the centre slit opening for the tissues.

Tack or baste the pieces together at both short ends only. Do not sew the full lace edges together, as the centre needs to remain open so the tissues can be pulled through.

At this stage, you should have one larger top section made from the two side/top pieces, with a slit running down the centre.

Step 3: Attach The First End Piece

Take one end piece and pin it to one end of the cover, with right sides together.

You will be pinning around three sides of the end piece: the two short edges and one long edge.

Match the centre of the long edge of the end piece to the slit between the two side/top pieces. This helps keep the tissue opening centred and gives the cover a neater shape.

Pin well before sewing. Quilted fabric can be a little thick and slightly bossy, so extra pins or clips will help keep everything lined up.

Stitch around the pinned edges using a 1 cm seam allowance.

Step 4: Attach The Second End Piece

Repeat the same process with the second end piece on the opposite side of the cover.

Place the end piece right sides together with the cover, matching the centre of the long edge to the centre slit between the two side/top pieces.

Pin carefully around the two short edges and one long edge, then stitch in place using a 1 cm seam allowance.

Once both end pieces are attached, turn the cover right side out and check the shape.

Step 5: Finish The Lower Edge

The lower edge of the tissue box cover now needs to be finished.

Encase the entire lower raw edge with bias binding tape. Pin or clip the binding all the way around the bottom opening, making sure it sits evenly over the raw edge.

Stitch the bias binding in place, sewing close to the folded edge.

Take your time around the corners so the binding sits smoothly. A neat lower edge will help the tissue box cover sit nicely on the table, vanity, or shelf.

Step 6: Make The Ties

Cut 4 pieces of bias binding tape, each measuring 12 cm long.

Fold each piece of bias binding in half lengthways and press it flat.

Stitch close to the open edges to secure each tie.

You should now have four narrow ties.

Step 7: Attach The Ties

Sew the ties to both sides of the top edge, placing them approximately 5 cm away from the edge.

Position two ties on one side and two ties on the opposite side so they can be tied together in bows across the top of the tissue box cover.

Make sure the ties are stitched securely, as they will be handled each time the box is changed or adjusted.

Tie the bias binding strips into small bows to finish the cover.

Step 8: Fit The Cover Over The Tissue Box

Place the finished cover over a 150 tissue box, making sure the centre slit sits neatly over the tissue opening.

Pull the first tissue gently through the lace-trimmed opening.

Adjust the bows and smooth the cover into place.

Sewing Tips

If your quilted fabric is very thick, use a slightly longer stitch length when sewing the seams. This helps the stitches sit more evenly through the layers.

For a very vintage look, choose floral quilted fabric, cream lace, and pink or pastel bias binding.

For a cleaner modern version, try gingham, linen-look cotton, polka dots, or a small-scale novelty print.

If you want the cover to be washable, prewash your fabric, lace, and bias binding before sewing. This helps prevent shrinkage later.

Finished Tissue Box Cover

Your finished tissue box cover should fit neatly over a standard 150 tissue box, with a lace-trimmed centre opening and small bow ties across the top.

This is a quick and cheerful sewing project that adds a handmade touch to something very ordinary. It is also a fun little gift idea for anyone who loves vintage sewing projects, floral fabrics, or practical handmade home décor.