Whimsical Whale Blubber Tissue Box Cover Free Pattern – A Crocheted Oceanic Treasure

Dive into a sea of softness with this charming whale-inspired tissue box cover, designed to bring a splash of oceanic whimsy to any room. Its plush, textured body and gentle curves make it a delightful handmade gift that combines functionality with adorable decor. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting your yarn journey, this beginner-friendly pattern will guide you through creating a cozy, huggable treasure that transforms an everyday essential into a conversation piece. Let's make a splash!

Materials Needed

Before we set sail, gather your supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials to create a soft and durable cover.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in three colors:
  • Ocean Blue (main body) – approx. 200-250 yards
  • White (belly) – approx. 50-75 yards
  • Light Gray (details/eyes) – small amount
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8)
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
• Scissors: Sharp pair for cutting yarn
• Stitch Markers: To keep track of your rounds (optional but helpful)
• Polyester Fiberfill: Optional, for lightly stuffing the tail and fins

Gauge: 4 inches = 16 single crochet (sc) and 18 rows in single crochet. Gauge is important for ensuring your cover fits a standard tissue box, but this pattern is forgiving – a slightly tighter or looser tension will still work beautifully.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard crochet abbreviations before you begin:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• Rnd: round

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have your very own whale tissue box cover in no time. Take it slow, count your stitches, and enjoy the process!

Body (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

The body is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) using ocean blue yarn. Do not join at the end of each round – just keep going. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6 sts)
Tip: If you're new to magic rings, you can ch 2 and work 6 sc into the 2nd ch from the hook, then pull tight.

Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12 sts)
You'll have 2 sc in each of the 6 stitches from Rnd 1.

Rnd 3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18 sts)
Repeat the sequence: 1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the following stitch. Do this 6 times total.

Rnd 4: (sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24 sts)
Now you'll do 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 5: (sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 6: (sc in next 4 sts, inc) around. (36 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 7: (sc in next 5 sts, inc) around. (42 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 8: (sc in next 6 sts, inc) around. (48 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 9: (sc in next 7 sts, inc) around. (54 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times.

Rnd 10: (sc in next 8 sts, inc) around. (60 sts)
1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times. This is your final increase round.

Rnd 11-20: sc in each st around. (60 sts)
For the next 10 rounds, simply work 1 sc in every stitch around. No increases. Your piece will start to form a dome shape. Count your stitches at the end of each round to ensure you still have 60.

Fasten off and weave in the yarn end securely. Make a second piece exactly the same way.

Joining the Body

Now we'll bring the two halves together to create the full whale body.

1. Place the two body pieces together with wrong sides facing (the inside of the dome should be facing each other). The right sides (the nice, textured side) should be on the outside.
2. Using ocean blue yarn and starting at the top center, work a round of single crochet through both layers to join them. Insert your hook through a stitch on the front piece and the corresponding stitch on the back piece, yarn over, and pull through. Complete a sc as normal.
3. Continue sc around the entire edge, joining the two pieces together. Important: Leave an opening on one side for the tissue slot – this should be about 4 inches wide. Do not crochet across this opening.
4. When you reach the opening, work sc stitches around the edge of the opening itself to reinforce it. Simply work 1 sc in each stitch along the edge of the opening, going around the rectangle.
5. When you've completed the full circle and the opening edge, join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Your body should now look like a hollow, rounded whale shape with a rectangular hole at the top.

Belly (Oval Shape)

Using white yarn, we'll create the contrasting belly that gives the whale its charming character.

Rnd 1: ch 10. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in next 8 ch, 3 sc in the last ch. Now working on the other side of the chain, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in the last ch. (20 sts)
This creates an oval shape. The 3 sc in the last ch turns the corner.

Rnd 2: inc in next st, sc in next 7 sts, inc in next 3 sts, sc in next 7 sts, inc in next 2 sts. (26 sts)
You're increasing at the rounded ends of the oval.

Rnd 3: sc in next st, inc, sc in next 8 sts, (inc, sc) 3 times, sc in next 8 sts, (inc, sc) 2 times. (32 sts)
Continue shaping the oval with increases at the ends.

Rnd 4: sc in next 2 sts, inc, sc in next 9 sts, (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 3 times, sc in next 9 sts, (inc, sc in next 2 sts) 2 times. (38 sts)
Your oval is growing nicely. It should be about 4-5 inches long and 3 inches wide.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing. Position the belly on the front of the body, centered below the tissue opening. Using a whip stitch, carefully sew the belly onto the body, tucking in any loose ends as you go. Weave in the remaining yarn.

Tail (Make 2)

These form the whale's flukes at the back.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: (sc in next st, inc) around. (18 sts)

Rnd 4-6: sc in each st around. (18 sts)
Three rounds of straight sc – no increases.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the tail with fiberfill if desired – this gives it a nice, plump look. Sew the tails to the back of the body, one on each side, angled outward like a whale's flukes. Position them about 2-3 inches down from the top opening, symmetrically on either side of the center back.

Fins (Make 2)

These small side fins add the final touch of whale anatomy.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: (sc in next st, inc) around. (9 sts)
1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the next. Repeat 3 times.

Rnd 3-5: sc in each st around. (9 sts)
Three rounds of straight sc.

Rnd 6: (sc in next st, dec) around. (6 sts)
1 sc in the next stitch, then sc 2 together. Repeat 3 times. This will taper the fin.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the fins to the sides of the body, about 2 inches down from the top opening. Position them so they stick out slightly from the body, giving the whale a friendly, approachable look.

Eyes (Make 2)

With light gray yarn, embroider simple oval eyes using a satin stitch. Position them on the front of the body, about 1-2 inches below the top opening and spaced about 2 inches apart. Alternatively, you can use 6mm safety eyes – if you choose this option, attach them to the body pieces before joining them together.

To embroider a satin stitch eye:

1. Thread your tapestry needle with light gray yarn.
2. Insert the needle from the inside of the body out to the front at the desired eye position.
3. Work parallel stitches close together to fill in an oval shape, about 1/2 inch wide and 1/4 inch tall.
4. Weave in the ends securely on the inside of the body.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all remaining yarn ends using your tapestry needle. Make sure everything is secure and tidy.
2. Place a standard tissue box inside the cover, with the tissues protruding through the top opening.
3. Gently shape the whale so it sits nicely over the box. Adjust the fins and tail so they look natural and cute.
4. Step back and admire your handiwork! You've just created a whimsical, functional piece of ocean-inspired decor.

This delightful whale tissue box cover makes a wonderful gift for ocean lovers, a charming addition to a nursery or bathroom, or a cozy touch for your own living space. The soft, textured stitches and gentle expression are sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it. Happy crocheting, and may your yarn adventures always be smooth sailing!