The Starlight Spruce Tissue Box Cover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Festive, Textured Tree
Bring the Magic of the Season to Your Home: The Starlight Spruce Tissue Box Cover
Transform an everyday essential into a festive centerpiece with the Starlight Spruce Tissue Box Cover. This unique knitted pattern turns a simple tissue box into a charming Christmas tree, complete with a textured spiral body and a star topper. Designed for knitters who love quick, satisfying projects, this cover adds a cozy, handmade touch to any room. Whether you're decorating for the holidays or looking for a thoughtful gift, this pattern is a delightful way to celebrate the season. The textured spiral pattern creates a beautiful, dimensional effect that mimics the look of a real spruce tree, while the star topper adds a whimsical finishing touch.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and needle sizes listed will ensure your cover fits a standard rectangular tissue box (approximately 4.5" x 4.5" x 5.5" tall).
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
- Forest Green: Approximately 200 yards (sample used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in 'Forest Green')
- Brown: Small amount for trunk (sample used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in 'Chocolate')
- Yellow/Gold: Small amount for star (sample used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in 'Mustard')
- Knitting Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) – or size needed to obtain gauge. You will need both straight needles (for flat pieces) and double-pointed needles or a circular needle for working in the round.
- Other Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving ends and sewing pieces together, stitch markers, scissors.
Gauge and Sizing
Gauge: 20 stitches x 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit every row when working flat, or knit every round when working in the round).
Important: Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for a snug fit. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly. A tighter gauge will create a stiffer fabric that holds its shape better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- P2tog: Purl two stitches together (decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd: Round
- Rep: Repeat
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
Pattern Notes
This cover is worked from the bottom up. The bottom is knitted flat, then stitches are picked up along the edge to work the sides in the round. The tree body is shaped with a spiral decrease pattern that creates a beautiful textured look. All pieces are sewn together at the end.
Step 1: Knit the Bottom (Flat)
Using brown yarn and straight needles, CO 36 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 6 rows. This creates 3 garter stitch ridges (each ridge is two rows of knitting).
- Bind off all stitches loosely. This is the base of your tissue box cover. Set aside.
Step 2: Knit the Sides (In the Round)
Switch to green yarn and your circular or double-pointed needles.
- With the right side of the bottom piece facing you, pick up and knit 36 stitches evenly around the edge. You should have 12 stitches on each of the four sides. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, and join to work in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 2: Purl all stitches.
- Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 for 1 inch (approximately 6 rounds). This creates a garter stitch border at the base of the tree.
Step 3: Knit the Tree Body (Spiral Texture)
Now you will work the main body of the tree in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 inches. This creates a smooth, even fabric.
After 2 inches, begin the spiral decrease pattern to shape the tree. The decreases will create a subtle spiral effect.
- Rnd 1 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. (30 stitches remain)
- Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 3 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. (24 stitches remain)
- Rnd 4: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 5 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. (18 stitches remain)
- Rnd 6: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 7 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. (12 stitches remain)
- Rnd 8: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 9 (Decrease): K2tog around. (6 stitches remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the tree. Weave in the end securely on the inside.
Step 4: Knit the Trunk
Using brown yarn and straight needles, CO 6 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge.
- Bind off all stitches. This is the trunk piece.
Using a tapestry needle and matching brown yarn, sew the trunk to the front of the cover, centered below the tree body. The trunk should sit just above the garter stitch border.
Step 5: Knit the Star Topper
Using yellow or gold yarn and straight needles, you will knit 5 identical points and then sew them together to form a star.
Make 5 points:
- CO 5 stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 3 (Decrease): K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 stitches remain)
- Row 4 (Decrease): P3tog. (1 stitch remains)
- Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure.
Assemble the star: Arrange the 5 points in a star shape. Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tails, sew the points together at their bases (the cast-on edges). Make sure all points are evenly spaced. Weave in all ends.
Attach the star to the top of the tree by sewing it securely with a few stitches through the center of the star and the top of the tree.
Step 6: Finishing
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends using a tapestry needle. Make sure all ends are secure and trimmed close to the fabric.
- Place the cover over your tissue box. The bottom should fit snugly, and the tree body should stand upright.
- Optional: For extra festive flair, sew small buttons, beads, or sequins onto the tree body as ornaments. You can also add a small loop of yarn at the top of the star for hanging.
Your Starlight Spruce Tissue Box Cover is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, handmade charm it brings to your holiday decor.
