How To Buy A Quality Colombian Wayuu “Mochila” Bag

When I first came to Colombia, Wayuu bags were one of the first things I fell in love with in this country. So fascinated, I even wrote an article about the origin of these crocheted bags on SeeColombia last year. So unique and colorful, mochila bags area beautiful representation of Colombia. 

I started buying 10, then 20, then 50, and now I travel on a monthly basis to La Guajira, bringing back up to 200 to 300 Wayuu bags at a time for Lombia + Co. Online Wayuu Shop. 

Right now I’m trying to focus on establishing more direct relationships with the women who crochet the Wayuu bags and hope to very soon establish some collaboration with a charity in La Guajira and see how I can help the community.

I feel I should mention, I always pay the asking price and never negotiate a quality bag as I want the Wayuu women to feel I value their work. So I guess I’m fair trade, aren’t I?

The nature of my job is not easy as it’s so folkloric, but I guess that’s also the beauty of it!

So to say the least, when it comes to buying these bags, I know a thing or two to help you buy quality Wayuu bags.

Single thread vs. double thread Wayuu bags

To start off, Wayuu bags fall in two categories: double thread and single thread. As you know Wayuu mochilas are crocheted bags. The traditional Wayuu mochila is the single thread Wayuu bag and takes around 20 days to crochet.

I made this little video to help you see the difference between the 2 methods and see the different finishings that a double thread bag has compared to a single thread Wayuu bag.

However, over time, indigenous Wayuu women have turned to the double thread bag to have faster production turnover. Double thread basically means is that there is a filler thread within each stitch so that the stitches look larger. As a result, it takes half the time to make a double thread bag. This also explains the price difference.

Different straps

The most common strap that you will find on a double thread Wayuu bag tends to stretch. This is why you will see some women with Wayuu bags hanging low. If you like the strap but prefer to carry the bag higher up, you can easily unstitch the strap from the bag and resew it so that the bag does not hang as low.

Single thread Wayuu bags have a stiffer strap that does not stretch.

You’ll also find hybrids which have a double thread body with single thread strap and drawstring. You’ll find these hybrids in my Special Edition 2T Collection.

How to look for quality Wayuu bags

For me, looking for quality was a process I learned over a matter of time. There are a few general rules to help you find a quality bag.

1. Look for well-crocheted Wayuu designs

Whether buying a double thread or single thread Wayuu bag, look carefully at the design of the bag and make sure there are few to no errors in the pattern. Do keep in mind that it is a handmade product and it is normal to have a few mistakes. However, thoroughly review your bag for very obvious pattern mistakes.

2. A Wayuu bag that holds its shape

A quality Wayuu bag will hold its shape when sets on the floor. It will not collapse.

3. Drawstrings

Make sure that the drawstrings close properly. Sometimes, while sewing on the strap, the drawstring will get sewn along and get stuck. Double check that the bag closes well.

…and make sure that the drawstring loops through every hole.

4. Well sewn on straps

Sometimes the women don’t take the time to sew on the strap well and after a few uses it might unstitch. Although this isn’t directly related to the quality of the crochet and can be fixed, it is annoying when it happens to you.

Why the huge price difference between one company to the next?

What’s the difference between a $200 USD Wayuu Bag and a $82 USD Wayuu Bag?

If they are both made in the same style (double thread or single thread) than it could be due to their size.

But honestly, I find the price difference to be more a matter or design. Some cheaper websites however, have no filter for quality and you’ll have as much chance of landing on a crap bag as you will landing on a great bag. So you might get pattern errors, a poorly crocheted bag or have mediocre finishings. Are you willing to risk it?

If you’re doubting and you don’t have enough pictures of the product, save yourself the trouble!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the more expensive websites probably have high prices for the following reasons:

• They are not located in Colombian and had to pay import fees, shipping fees, etc.
• They have staff and office space to pay

The price difference within the same website could also be because one collection of bags have finer details, such as fuller tassels, braided drawstrings instead of twisted ones, nicer straps or other details that add to the bags value. 

I know all this is a lot of information, especially as you’re not touching and feeling the product in your hands. My Wayuu Bag Shop , Lombia + Co. offers well-priced bags that are truly fair trade and of the best quality. 

I personally handpicked EVERY SINGLE BAG on my website and reviewed it carefully. You can trust that you are getting:

1. Awesome prices

2. Great selection

3. Quality product

4. Fair trade Wayuu bags

I invite you to check out my e-store and let me know you read my article using code BOGOTASTIC at checkout! I’d be glad to send you an extra FREE bracelet in your order.

See you there!