Do you have the feeling that life just seems to be getting busier? Like, who’s got time to remember to pack every single thing for the family when leaving the house, let alone for yourself?!? And never mind not having a lot of time for your own hobbies (for me, that’s sewing!) like you used to…
I get it! As a permanent servant mum of 3 kids, I am constantly looking for ways to streamline and simplify our family needs, so when it’s time to do anything at home, on the go, or on holidays I know what we need, that it’s going to be practical and that we can find it easily.
Do you know what every family needs every single day? Tissues!
Do you know a cute way to always have tissues at the ready and not in the black hole of your car or handbag? A sturdy, compact, fabric tissue holder!
Get ready to be amazed by how easy and quick it is to sew your own pocket-sized tissue holder! Even if you’re new to sewing, this project is perfect for building your confidence and you won’t need any fancy equipment.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
One of the best things about this project is that it doesn’t require a big time commitment. You can complete it in less than half an hour, making it perfect for squeezing in during a free afternoon or even as a quick last-minute gift idea. It’s a wonderful way to satisfy your creative cravings without spending hours at the sewing machine. That’s MY kind of sewing project. 💪
So, whether you’re looking for a fun and fulfilling sewing project to enjoy on a lazy weekend, want to use up some of your fabric scraps pile or you need to come up with a cute, last-minute gift, this pocket-sized tissue holder is the perfect solution.
Why you need a pocket-sized tissue pouch
A tissue pouch is a fantastic accessory to have for so many reasons!
First up, it helps you stay prepared and organised by keeping your tissues easily accessible whenever you need them. Whether you’re dealing with a runny nose, unexpected spills, or even wiping away tears of joy, having tissues on hand can be a real lifesaver!
Secondly, a tissue pouch adds a touch of style and personalization to your daily essentials. You can choose fabrics in your own favourite colours and patterns (or even coordinate with your outfits!). It’s an easy but cute way to showcase your creativity and add a pop of colour to your accessories.
A pocket-sized tissue holder is incredibly convenient for people on the go. It fits perfectly into your pocket, purse, or bag (or diaper bag!) without taking up much space. You won’t have to fumble around searching for loose tissues buried in the depths of your bag anymore!
Not to mention, a tissue pouch also makes a thoughtful and practical gift for friends, family, or colleagues. You can customize it to their taste and create a handmade present in minutes that shows you care about their comfort and well-being.
PLUS! Having a cute fabric tissue holder is an easy way to cut down on plastic. You can simply grab a handful of tissues from the big box at home, fold them to fit your tissue pouch and conveniently carry tissues with you without all those small plastic store-bought pouches!
So you see, a tissue pouch is a handy, stylish, and practical accessory that ensures you’re always prepared for whatever life throws at you while adding a personal touch to your everyday essentials.
Sewing Tutorial: How to sew a lined tissue holder
Step 01: What you need to sew your own fabric tissue holder
2 small pieces of woven cotton fabrics
Tip: raid your fabric stash to avoid spending money on new fabrics! I have sewn many tissue holders using my own fabric leftovers as well as old business shirts, bags and even pillow cases!
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Ruler or tape measure
Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk
Sewing machine, coordinating thread, pins
Iron
Step 02: Prepare the fabric pieces for your pocket tissue holder
Tip: Press your fabrics to remove any wrinkles, especially if it has been lying in the leftover fabrics pile. 😉
The lining fabric piece will be a different size to the outer fabric piece. Decide which one is which before you start cutting!
Note: All measurements already include the seam allowances!
Cut the lining piece 22 cm wide x 15 cm high (8 21/32 in. x 6 in.).
Cut the outer piece 17.5 cm wide x 15 cm high (7 in. x 6 in.)
Step 03: Prepare the tissue holder lining fabric
Lay the lining fabric right side down and fold one short end of the piece over 1cm and press with a hot iron.
Fold this over again so that the short raw edge is enclosed and press again.
Repeat with the opposite short side of the lining fabric piece.
Step 04: Layering the tissue holder fabrics for sewing
Lay the outer piece of fabric right side facing up atop the lining fabric. The wrong sides of the 2 fabrics will be facing each other.
Slide one short end of the outer fabric underneath one of the pressed short sides of the lining fabric. Pin in place.
Repeat with the other short side.
Step 05: Sew the first rows of stitches to start forming your tissue pouch
Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, edge stitch along one end of the pinned fabrics, so that the outer fabric stays encased in the fold of the lining fabric.
Repeat this step at the opposite end of the fabric layers.
Step 06: Building your pocket tissue pouch
Now that the 2 fabrics are joined, it’s time to form them into a pouch shape.
Mark the centre of each of the long sides of the layered fabric.
With the outer fabric facing upwards fold one short edge inwards to meet the centre markings. Repeat with the other short fabric edge.
Pin the fabric layers together along the top and bottom edges to hold the fabrics in place.
Step 7: Sewing your tissue holder together
Using a 1 cm (1/2 in.) seam allowance, stitch along the top pinned fabrics edge.
Repeat with the bottom fabrics edge.
Tip: To help reduce the amount of fabric bulk in your tissue pouch, remove excess fabric by snipping diagonally across the corners. Just be sure to not cut into the stitching!
Tip: If your fabric is likely to fray (as many woven fabrics tend to do along the raw edges) you can sew along the 2 raw edges using a zigzag stitch.
That’s the last of the sewing!
Step 8: Making your pocket tissue pouch ready for use!
Time for the final step in creating your own practical pocket tissue holder…
Turn it right sides out!
If the corners look rounded, use something pointed (but not too sharp!) like a pencil or chopstick inside the pouch to push the corners outwards.
And that’s it!
All that needs to be done now it to fill the pouch with tissues and you’re good to go!
One for the car, one for the handbag, one for the diaper bag, one for your mother-in-law, one for the kids’ school bags, one of the desk drawer, one for your best friend…
How many cute fabric tissue holders are you going to make?
