Snugglebeast Tissue Box Cover Free Pattern – Knitted Friendly Monster

Knitted Snugglebeast Tissue Box Cover: A Friendly Monster for Your Home

Are you ready to transform an everyday household item into a charming piece of cozy decor? This Snugglebeast Tissue Box Cover is the perfect project for knitters who want to add a touch of whimsy to their living space. This adorable knitted monster isn't just a pretty face—it's a fully functional cover that keeps your tissues within easy reach while bringing a smile to anyone who sees it.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple stockinette stitch and basic shaping techniques. The result is a soft, textured cover with a cheerful face that fits snugly over a standard rectangular tissue box. Whether you're making it for a child's room, a playful office space, or as a handmade gift, this friendly monster is sure to become a beloved companion.

Let's dive into this delightful project and create something truly special for your home!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Soft teal (approximately 200 yards)
  • Accent Color (AC): Cream (small amount for face details)
  • Small amounts of black and white yarn for the face features
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) straight needles
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
• Stitch markers (2 markers)
• Scissors
• Standard tissue box (approximately 9.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches) for fitting

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the cover fits properly. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This tissue box cover is knitted flat in pieces and then seamed together. The construction is straightforward, making it an excellent project for beginners who want to practice their seaming skills. Let's break it down piece by piece.

Body Pieces (Make 2 – Front and Back)

These are the largest pieces of the project and form the front and back of the cover.

Step 1: With MC (soft teal), cast on 48 stitches.

Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until the piece measures 9 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a wrong-side row (purl row).

Step 3: On the next right-side row, knit 24 stitches, place a stitch marker, then knit the remaining 24 stitches. These markers will guide your shaping.

Step 4: Continue working in stockinette stitch for 2 more inches, keeping the markers in place. The piece should now measure approximately 11 inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 5: Begin shaping the top of the cover. This creates the angled top that will fit over the tissue box.

• Row 1 (RS): K2tog, knit to 2 stitches before the marker, k2tog, slip marker, k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. (You will have decreased 4 stitches, leaving 44 stitches)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Step 6: Repeat these 2 rows until 20 stitches remain on your needles. End with a wrong-side row.

Step 7: Bind off all stitches loosely. Set this piece aside.

Step 8: Repeat the entire process to create the second body piece (the back).

Side Panels (Make 2)

These narrow panels connect the front and back pieces and form the sides of the cover.

Step 1: With MC, cast on 20 stitches.

Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 9 inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 3: Bind off all stitches.

Step 4: Repeat to create the second side panel.

Top Panel

This piece covers the top of the tissue box and will have a gap for tissue extraction.

Step 1: With MC, cast on 20 stitches.

Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 4.5 inches.

Step 3: Bind off all stitches.

Face – Eyes (Make 2)

These adorable eyes bring your monster to life! Each eye is knitted in white and then detailed with black embroidery.

Step 1: With white yarn, cast on 6 stitches.

Step 2: Knit 1 row (right side).

Step 3: On the next row (right side), increase in each stitch by knitting into the front and back of each stitch (kfb) across. You will now have 12 stitches.

Step 4: Knit 1 row.

Step 5: On the next row, work (kfb, k1) across. You will now have 18 stitches.

Step 6: Knit 1 row.

Step 7: Bind off all stitches.

Step 8: Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider a pupil in the center of each eye using satin stitch. Make the pupil about 1/2 inch in diameter for a cute, expressive look.

Face – Mouth

The mouth adds personality to your monster. You'll embroider it directly onto the front panel.

Step 1: With black yarn, thread your tapestry needle.

Step 2: Position the mouth on the front panel, approximately 2 inches below where the eyes will be placed.

Step 3: Using backstitch, embroider a wide smile. Make the smile about 3 inches wide, curving upward at the corners for a cheerful expression.

Teeth (Make 2)

These tiny teeth peek out from under the smile, adding to the monster's charm.

Step 1: With white yarn, cast on 4 stitches.

Step 2: Knit 1 row.

Step 3: On the next row, work kfb, k2, kfb. You will now have 6 stitches.

Step 4: Knit 1 row.

Step 5: Bind off all stitches.

Step 6: Fold each tooth in half and sew the edges together to create a small, rounded tooth shape.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together. Take your time with the seaming to ensure a neat, professional finish.

Step 1: Lay one body piece flat with the right side facing up. Position the side panels along the edges, aligning the cast-on edges.

Step 2: Using mattress stitch and MC yarn, sew the side panels to the front and back pieces. Work from the bottom edge upward, keeping the seams neat and even.

Step 3: Once all four sides are attached, you'll have an open box shape. Turn it inside out so the wrong side is facing out.

Step 4: Position the top panel over the opening. Sew it in place using mattress stitch, but leave a 4-inch gap in the center for tissue extraction. This gap should be positioned to align with the tissue slot on your tissue box.

Step 5: Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn.

Step 6: Turn the cover right side out.

Step 7: Attach the eyes to the front panel. Position them approximately 3 inches from the top edge and 2 inches apart, centered horizontally. Sew them securely using white yarn and a tapestry needle.

Step 8: Sew the teeth just below the mouth line, positioning them so they peek out from under the smile. Secure them firmly.

Finishing Touches

Your Snugglebeast is almost ready for its debut! Here are the final steps:

Step 1: Turn the cover right side out and give it a gentle steam block if desired. This helps even out the stitches and gives a polished look.

Step 2: Place the cover over your tissue box, pulling the tissues through the top gap.

Step 3: Adjust the fit as needed. The cover should sit snugly over the box.

Optional embellishments: For extra charm, consider adding small button eyes on top of the knitted eyes, or attach a yarn bow to one corner. You could also add rosy cheeks using pink embroidery floss.

Tips for Success

• Check your gauge: This is crucial for a proper fit. If your cover comes out too small or too large, adjust your needle size.
• Use stitch markers: They're essential for keeping track of your shaping rows.
• Take your time with seaming: Neat seams make a huge difference in the final appearance.
• Customize your colors: Feel free to use different color combinations to match your decor or the recipient's preferences.

Congratulations! You've just created a delightful Snugglebeast Tissue Box Cover that's both functional and adorable. This project is perfect for using up worsted weight yarn from your stash and makes a wonderful handmade gift. The friendly monster will brighten any room and keep your tissues close at hand.

Happy knitting, and enjoy your new cuddly companion!