Barcelona tote bag tutorial

Tote bags are such fun, quick projects that combine practicality with creativity. This time, with my Barcelona fabrics, I wanted to make a larger version (14" x 20"- 35 × 50 cm finished size) that’s perfect for everyday use, whether for errands, storing sewing supplies, or carrying books and fabrics.  

I found a beautiful tutorial and pattern for the “DIY Tote Bag With Pockets” by Qrei Handmade, and I was using the same principles and construction, but adapted it to a slightly bigger size. It features two practical side pockets, a spacious interior, and a sturdy, structured look that still feels soft and handmade. I couldn’t resist adding front pockets — the space between the handles was just asking for them!

The video is great to watch and very detailed, so I will just add the measurements that I've adopted for my bag.

Here's a list of materials & Cutting

Piece	Cut from	Size (cm)	Notes
Outer bag front & back	Main fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Lining front & back	Lining fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Front Pocket panels	Main or contrast	10" × 16" (2 pieces)
Side pockets	Contrasting fabric	7" × 16" (folded on the longer side-2 pieces)
Interfacing / stabilizer		same as outer pieces	For added structure
(Optional) small pocket inside	Fabric	e.g. 13" × 14"  (1 piece folded in half and divided in two compartments)	For internal storage

Zipper                                                      16" long (1 piece)

Recessed ziper panels    Fabric                2" x 14" (2 piece main + 2 pieces lining)                     

Handles                        Jute webbing       40" (2 pieces)    

Gusset                          Main or contrast   4" x 40" (1 piece main + 1 piece lining)    

Hook tabs                     Main or contrast   4" x 6" (1 piece to be cut in two)

Seam allowances: plan for 1 cm seam allowance all around (or whatever your machine standard is — adapt consistently).

If you’ve been wanting to sew a functional yet beautiful tote bag, this is a great project to try — easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and full of possibilities for mixing your favorite prints and textures. 

Tote bags are such fun, quick projects that combine practicality with creativity. This time, with my Barcelona fabrics, I wanted to make a larger version (14" x 20"- 35 × 50 cm finished size) that’s perfect for everyday use, whether for errands, storing sewing supplies, or carrying books and fabrics.  

I found a beautiful tutorial and pattern for the “DIY Tote Bag With Pockets” by Qrei Handmade, and I was using the same principles and construction, but adapted it to a slightly bigger size. It features two practical side pockets, a spacious interior, and a sturdy, structured look that still feels soft and handmade. I couldn’t resist adding front pockets — the space between the handles was just asking for them!

The video is great to watch and very detailed, so I will just add the measurements that I've adopted for my bag.

Here's a list of materials & Cutting

Piece	Cut from	Size (cm)	Notes
Outer bag front & back	Main fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Lining front & back	Lining fabric	13" × 17" (2 pieces)
Front Pocket panels	Main or contrast	10" × 16" (2 pieces)
Side pockets	Contrasting fabric	7" × 16" (folded on the longer side-2 pieces)
Interfacing / stabilizer		same as outer pieces	For added structure
(Optional) small pocket inside	Fabric	e.g. 13" × 14"  (1 piece folded in half and divided in two compartments)	For internal storage

Zipper                                                      16" long (1 piece)

Recessed ziper panels    Fabric                2" x 14" (2 piece main + 2 pieces lining)                     

Handles                        Jute webbing       40" (2 pieces)    

Gusset                          Main or contrast   4" x 40" (1 piece main + 1 piece lining)    

Hook tabs                     Main or contrast   4" x 6" (1 piece to be cut in two)

Seam allowances: plan for 1 cm seam allowance all around (or whatever your machine standard is — adapt consistently).

If you’ve been wanting to sew a functional yet beautiful tote bag, this is a great project to try — easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and full of possibilities for mixing your favorite prints and textures.