Add a hilarious twist to your home decor with this Amigurumi Runny Nose Tissue Box Cover crochet pattern! Designed to turn an ordinary tissue box into a comical character, this quirky creation features a playful face with a runny nose—perfect for dispensing tissues in the most amusing way. Whether you’re crafting for a cheerful home accent, adding a whimsical touch to your space, or simply enjoy making fun amigurumi designs, this pattern lets you stitch up a tissue box cover bursting with personality! Perfect for brightening up any room, this crochet creation brings a touch of handmade humor to every sniffle. 🤧✨
Designed for customization, this pattern allows you to experiment with different facial expressions, embroidered details, or even tiny accessories like glasses or a hat for extra charm. Craft a classic runny nose man with bold features, create a pastel version for a softer aesthetic, or even stitch up a full set of humorous tissue box covers for a delightful display! Whether gifted as a quirky keepsake, displayed as a cheerful accent, or made simply for the joy of crafting, this Amigurumi Runny Nose Tissue Box Cover is a fun and creative project—perfect for bringing a touch of handmade laughter to every stitch! 🧶💖✨

Runny Nose Tissue Box Cover Crochet Pattern
Transform your ordinary tissue box into a hilarious conversation starter! This quirky amigurumi man dispenses tissues right through his nose, making cold season just a little more entertaining. Perfect for your desk, nightstand, or as a unique gift for someone with a sense of humor.
About This Pattern
This intermediate-advanced crochet project combines amigurumi techniques with functional design. You’ll create a character head that cleverly disguises a standard tissue box while allowing easy tissue dispensing through the nose opening.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Time to Complete: 8-12 hours
Finished Size: Fits standard cube tissue boxes (11.5 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm / 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in)
Materials Needed
Yarn Requirements
- Color A (Skin Tone – Beige/Peach): 250-300g / 500-600m worsted weight
- Color B (Dark Brown): 100-120g / 200-240m worsted weight
- Color C (White): 20g / 40m worsted weight
- Color D (Black): 10g / 20m worsted weight
Other Supplies
- 4.0mm crochet hook (or size needed for gauge)
- Fiberfill stuffing (small amount for ears only)
- 2 safety eyes (12mm) or black buttons
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Stiff felt or craft foam (20cm x 15cm sheet)
- Cotton fabric (25cm x 25cm square for internal lining)
- Sewing needle and thread
- Scissors
- 20cm Velcro strip or 15cm zipper (for base closure)
- Fabric glue or hot glue gun
Recommended Yarn
Cotton or cotton-blend worsted weight yarn works best for structure and durability. Avoid stretchy acrylic as it may sag over time.
Gauge & Tension
10 sc x 10 rows = 5cm x 5cm (2″ x 2″)
Crochet firmly to maintain structure and prevent gaps.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – Magic Ring
- sc – Single Crochet
- inc – Increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec – Invisible Decrease
- ch – Chain
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- FO – Fasten Off
- BLO – Back Loops Only
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
Pattern Instructions
Head (Main Body)
Using Color A (skin tone):
Rounds 1-9 (Top/crown increases):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
- (6 sc, inc) × 6 (48)
- (7 sc, inc) × 6 (54)
Rounds 10-26 (Straight sides): 10-26. sc around (54) – Work 17 rounds even
Rounds 27-30 (Shaping for base): 27. (7 sc, dec) × 6 (48) 28. sc around (48) 29. (6 sc, dec) × 6 (42) 30. sc around (42)
Do not close the bottom. Leave a 42-stitch opening for inserting the tissue box.
FO, leaving a 60cm tail for attaching base closure later.
Nose with Tissue Tunnel
This is the most important part! The nose must be hollow and large enough for tissues to pass through.
Using Color A:
Rounds 1-5 (Creating the funnel opening):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
Rounds 6-12 (Tunnel depth): 6-12. sc around (30) – Work 7 rounds even
DO NOT STUFF. DO NOT CLOSE.
This creates a 30-stitch opening (approximately 9.5cm diameter) that will attach to the face and allow tissues to pull through comfortably.
FO, leaving a 100cm tail for securely attaching to head.
Ears (Make 2)
Using Color A:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- (1 sc, inc) × 3 (9)
- (2 sc, inc) × 3 (12) 4-5. sc around (12) – Work 2 rounds even
- (2 sc, dec) × 3 (9)
FO, leaving a 40cm tail for sewing. Lightly stuff and flatten into a “C” shape.
Eyes – White Base (Make 2)
Using Color C (white):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- sc around (18)
FO, leaving a 40cm tail for sewing.
If using safety eyes, insert them through the center of the white base before attaching to head. If using buttons, sew them on after attaching the white bases.
Pupil/Iris Detail (Make 2) – Optional
Using Color D (black):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
FO, leaving tail. Sew to center of white eye base before attaching eyes to head, or simply use safety eyes/buttons.
Eyebrows (Make 2)
Using Color B (dark brown):
Ch 12, turn.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st across all 11 ch (11 sl st)
FO, leaving a 40cm tail for sewing. Shape into slight arch when attaching.
Mustache
Using Color B:
Ch 18, turn.
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 7 ch (7 sl st), ch 3, skip 3 ch of foundation chain, sl st in remaining 7 ch (7 sl st)
FO, leaving a 40cm tail for sewing. This creates a split mustache with a gap in the middle.
Hair Cap
Using Color B:
Rounds 1-8:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
- (6 sc, inc) × 6 (48)
Rounds 9-11: 9-11. sc around (48) – Work 3 rounds even
FO, leaving a 60cm tail for sewing.
Base Cover (Removable Bottom Piece)
Using Color B:
Rounds 1-7:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc × 6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) × 6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) × 6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) × 6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) × 6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) × 6 (42)
FO, leaving a 50cm tail for attaching Velcro or zipper.
Assembly Instructions
This is where the project comes together! Follow these steps carefully for best results.
Step 1: Create Internal Support Structure
Making the felt/foam tube:
- Cut a rectangle from stiff felt or craft foam measuring 12cm x 18cm
- Roll into a cone/tube shape with the wider end (approximately 9cm diameter) matching the nose opening size and the narrower end (approximately 5cm diameter) for the tissue box opening
- Overlap edges by 1cm and secure with fabric glue or hot glue
- Let dry completely (at least 30 minutes)
- This tube will guide tissues from the box opening to the nose opening
Preparing the fabric lining:
- Cut fabric into a circle approximately 14cm diameter
- Cut a circle from the center approximately 8cm diameter (creating a donut/ring shape)
- This will reinforce the inside of the nose opening to prevent yarn stretching
Step 2: Prepare the Nose
Reinforcing the nose opening:
- Take your fabric ring and place it inside the nose opening
- Using sewing needle and thread, hand-sew the fabric ring to the inside edge of the crocheted nose opening
- Use small whip stitches all around, catching the yarn and fabric together
- This prevents the opening from stretching when tissues are pulled repeatedly
Step 3: Position and Attach the Nose
Finding the correct placement:
- Lay the head with the closed top (crown) at the top
- Count down from the crown approximately 10-12 rounds to find the center of the face
- The nose should attach centered horizontally on what will be the front
- Use stitch markers to mark a circle matching the nose opening size (30 stitches = approximately 9.5cm diameter)
Creating the face opening:
- Using scissors, carefully cut the marked circle out of the crocheted head
- Cut conservatively – you can always make it larger, but can’t make it smaller
- The opening should be slightly smaller than the nose opening (about 8-9cm diameter)
Attaching the nose:
- Insert the felt/foam tube through the nose from the outside
- Position the wider end of the tube flush with the back of the nose opening
- Secure the tube to the fabric lining inside the nose with a few stitches or dabs of fabric glue
- Pin the nose opening to the face opening from the outside
- Using the long tail and yarn needle, carefully sew around the entire circumference
- Use whip stitch or mattress stitch, going through both the nose edge and the head edge
- Go around at least twice for security
- The narrow end of the internal tube should now be pointing toward the base opening of the head
Step 4: Attach Facial Features
Eyes:
- Position the white eye bases approximately 4-5 rounds above the nose opening
- Space them about 10-12 stitches apart (center to center)
- Pin in place and check that they look even from all angles
- Sew securely around the entire edge of each white circle
- If using safety eyes, they should already be installed; if using buttons, sew them to the center now
Eyebrows:
- Attach 2-3 rounds directly above each eye
- Angle them slightly for expression (I recommend slightly angled inward/downward toward the nose for a concerned “I have a cold” expression)
- Sew along the entire length, securing every sl st to the head
Mustache:
- Position 1-2 rounds below the bottom edge of the nose opening
- Center it so the gap aligns under the nose
- Curve the ends slightly upward if desired
- Sew along the entire length, securing every sl st
Ears:
- Attach to sides of head at approximately the same height as the eyes or slightly lower
- Position them about 4-6 stitches back from the face, angled slightly outward
- Sew around the entire edge securely, stitching through the flattened opening
Step 5: Add Hair
- Position the hair cap on top of the head
- Align the cap so it covers the crown and creates a natural hairline
- The hairline should be approximately 3-4 rounds above the eyebrows
- Pin in place and check from all angles
- Sew around the entire edge securely with the dark brown tail
- Use whip stitch or sl st through both layers
Optional hair texture:
- Surface crochet curved lines for hair texture
- Embroider straight stitches radiating from crown
- Leave as-is for a smooth cap look
Step 6: Create Base Closure
Option A – Velcro method (easier):
- Cut Velcro strip into 4-5 pieces (each 4-5cm long)
- Sew the hook side (rough side) of each Velcro piece to the inside edge of the head base opening, spacing them evenly around the circumference
- Sew the loop side (soft side) of each Velcro piece to the outer edge of the base cover piece you crocheted
- Ensure alignment so the pieces match up when closed
Option B – Zipper method (more secure):
- Hand-sew a 15cm zipper around the inside edge of the base opening
- Sew the other side of the zipper to the edge of the base cover piece
- This creates a clean, secure closure
Step 7: Final Checks
- Ensure the internal tube is angled correctly from the base toward the nose
- Check that all facial features are secure
- Trim any excess yarn tails
- Weave in all ends
Using Your Tissue Box Cover
Inserting the Tissue Box
- Open the base closure (Velcro or zipper)
- Remove the tissue box from its packaging
- Pull up the first tissue through the opening of the box
- Hold the tissue box upright and insert it into the head through the bottom opening
- As you insert the box, guide the first tissue up through the internal felt/foam tube
- Continue pushing the box up while pulling the tissue through until it emerges from the nose
- Adjust positioning so the box sits level inside and the tissue box opening aligns with the bottom of the internal tube
- Pull the tissue out about 5-10cm from the nose
- Close the base closure
The tissue should now be ready to grab and pull!
Changing Tissue Boxes
- Open the base closure
- Pull out any remaining tissues from the nose
- Remove the empty box
- Insert a new box following the steps above
Tips for Success
Tension is crucial: Crochet tightly and evenly to ensure the cover holds its shape and doesn’t sag. The structure needs to support itself even when the tissue box is nearly empty. If your stitches are loose, go down a hook size.
Test the nose opening: Before final assembly, test that a tissue can easily pull through the nose opening. Bunch up a tissue and pull it through – it should move freely without tearing. If it’s too tight, carefully enlarge the opening.
Reinforce high-stress areas: The nose attachment point receives the most stress every time someone pulls a tissue. Go around it 2-3 times when sewing for maximum durability.
Use quality stuffing for ears: Even though they’re small, well-stuffed ears add personality and help the cover look polished. Don’t overstuff – they should be soft and slightly flexible.
Position features before sewing: Pin or use stitch markers to preview placement of all features before permanently attaching them. Take a photo and check if the expression looks right.
Keep the internal tube secure: If tissues aren’t feeding smoothly, the tube may have shifted. Open the base and check alignment. Add a few stitches through the base of the tube to secure it if needed.
Match your yarn weight: Using yarns of significantly different weights (e.g., bulky for hair, fingering for skin) will create an uneven appearance. Stick to the same weight throughout.
Check symmetry: Measure the distance from the center of the face to each eye, ear, and eyebrow to ensure symmetrical placement.
Customization Ideas
Skin tones: Use any skin tone yarn – from pale peach to deep brown. Represent yourself or your gift recipient!
Hair styles:
- Short hair: Stop hair cap at Round 6-7
- Bald: Skip the hair cap entirely
- Different textures: Use different yarn types (fuzzy, bouclé, etc.)
- Receding hairline: Attach hair cap further back on head
Facial expressions:
- Surprised: Raise eyebrows higher and straighten them
- Sleepy: Angle eyebrows downward at outer edges, use half-circles for droopy eyes
- Grumpy: Angle eyebrows sharply downward toward center
- Happy: Embroider or surface crochet a smile below the mustache
Additional details:
- Embroider freckles with brown yarn
- Add rosy cheeks with pink yarn (French knots or surface crochet circles)
- Create a full beard by extending the mustache
- Add glasses using black wire or pipe cleaners
- Create a bow tie or collar around the base
Seasonal variations:
- Winter: Add a small crocheted beanie on top
- Summer: Add sunglasses
- Holiday: Add Santa hat, reindeer antlers, or bunny ears
Troubleshooting
Problem: Tissues won’t pull through smoothly
- Solution: Check that the internal tube is properly aligned and points directly from the tissue box opening to the nose opening. You may need to adjust the angle or secure the tube better. Also verify the nose opening isn’t too small – it should be at least 8-9cm diameter.
Problem: Head is sagging or losing shape
- Solution: Your tension is too loose. Frog (unravel) and re-crochet with tighter tension, or go down a hook size (try 3.5mm instead of 4.0mm). Alternatively, add a cardboard ring cut to match the base circumference inside the bottom to provide structure.
Problem: Base won’t stay closed
- Solution: Add more Velcro pieces (at least 5-6 around the circumference) or use stronger Velcro. Alternatively, switch to a zipper closure for a more secure hold.
Problem: Nose is pulling away from head
- Solution: You need more reinforcement stitches. Go around the attachment point at least 2-3 times, catching both the nose edge and the head fabric securely. Use strong cotton thread in addition to yarn if needed.
Problem: Facial features look crooked or uneven
- Solution: Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure distances from the center line. Mark placement with pins before sewing. For eyes especially, measure from the nose to each eye – they should be equidistant.
Problem: Tissues tear when pulling through nose
- Solution: The opening is too small or has rough edges. Enlarge the opening slightly, and ensure the fabric lining is smooth with no sharp yarn edges poking through.
Problem: Can’t fit tissue box inside
- Solution: Verify you’re using a standard cube tissue box (11.5cm). If using a different size box, you may need to adjust the head pattern by adding or removing increase rounds. The internal diameter of the base should be 1-2cm larger than your tissue box.
Problem: Hair cap won’t stay in place
- Solution: You may not have sewn it securely enough. Go around the entire circumference again with matching yarn, catching both the cap edge and the head with each stitch. Use a whip stitch or mattress stitch for invisible seaming.
Care Instructions
- Spot clean only – Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean any marks
- Remove tissue box before cleaning
- Do not submerge in water as the internal structure may be damaged
- Allow to air dry completely before reinserting tissue box (at least 24 hours)
- Avoid machine washing as it will destroy the internal structure and shape
- Store with tissue box inside to maintain shape when not in use
Yarn Substitutions
Adjusting for different yarn weights:
- DK weight: Use 3.5mm hook, expect finished size to be smaller (better for boutique tissue boxes)
- Bulky weight: Use 5.0mm hook, expect finished size to be larger (works for rectangular tissue boxes)
- Adjust pattern: Add or remove increase rounds to achieve proper sizing for your tissue box
Final Thoughts
This tissue box cover brings humor and personality to an everyday item. It’s a wonderful gift for:
- Coworkers (especially during cold and flu season!)
- Teachers
- Friends recovering from illness
- Anyone who appreciates quirky home décor
- Secret Santa or white elephant exchanges
- Nurses, doctors, or healthcare workers
The surprised expression on people’s faces when they realize where the tissues come from never gets old!
Display tips:
- Place on your desk at work for a conversation starter
- Put on a nightstand during cold season
- Use as a centerpiece at a “get well soon” party
- Gift to someone who’s always sniffling
Enjoy your creation, and may it bring smiles during sniffles! 🧶
