A method includes obtaining measurements associated with one or more controlled variables related to a structure of creped tissue paper during production of the creped tissue paper. The method also includes generating at least one control signal that adjusts one or more manipulated variables associated with the production of the creped tissue paper in order to alter the structure of the creped tissue paper. The one or more controlled variables include a number of folds per unit length of the creped tissue paper, a caliper of the creped tissue paper, a macro crepe of the creped tissue paper, and/or a micro crepe of the creped tissue paper. The manipulated variable(s) could include a crepe percentage, a creping blade angle, a flow of sizing agent, and/or a cross direction (CD) profile of nozzle positions associated with a spray boom that sprays sizing agent onto a Yankee dryer.