Wayuu mochilas are more than just bags, they are visual pieces of woven history that originally come from the Wayuu people, a matriarchal Indigenous community from the La Guajira desert in the northern parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Each bag tells a story: of ancestral traditions, of family and community, and the connection between the Wayuu and their land. The unique patterns on these bags are called Kannas or Kanasus, which in Wayuunaiki means “designs”. They are visual languages that reflect clans, dreams, elements of nature, different body parts of animals found on the rez, stories, and tools used in their day-to-day life. But if you’ve ever shopped for a Wayuu mochila, you might have come across terms like one-thread and two-thread, and wondered, what the heck is the difference between these two? Most (if not all) Wayuu bags are made using one of these two techniques. Let's talk about it!
One-Thread Wayuu Bags: The Heart of Tradition
One-thread Wayuu bags (mochilas de una hebra) are the most traditional form of weaving. They are made using a single strand of yarn to make the bag, crocheted in a spiral form, from the base up. This method takes incredible skill, patience, and a lot of time! Not all Wayuu weavers are skilled in this technique and depending on the artisan making it, the design, and the size, these one-thread bags can take up to 30 days to complete. Each stitch is tighter, and slimmer, and the overall fabric is thinner but stronger. The ending result? A lightweight bag that’s built to last and features very detailed and intricate geometric Kannas.
Two-Thread Wayuu Bags: A Contemporary Twist
Two-thread Wayuu bags (mochilas de dos herbas) are a more modern adaptation of the traditional method. They use two strands of yarn instead of one, allowing the artisan to create thicker, sturdier bags that have a heavier texture. When you take a closer look at a two-thread Wayuu bag, you’ll notice this technique; In some areas, you can spot the two yarns used in its construction. The outer thread, the one you see when you look at the bag, forms the visible design and color.
Meanwhile, tucked beneath, there’s an inner thread, that is often a completely different color and used to “stuff” the stitches, giving the bag a thicker, more durable structure. These bags take less time to make, depending on their size and design, it can take around 10-15 days, which gives them a quick turnaround time and makes them more affordable and accessible. The double-thread technique also allows for bolder designs, chunkier textures, and a different look and feel compared to the delicate nature of one-thread bags. The dual-color effect you sometimes spot in the stitches of a two-thread bag is like a secret signature of the technique that’s hidden in plain sight if you know where to look!
Both types of bags are durable, beautiful, and bold in color and patterns!
Based on what you just read, can you guess which stitch is 1-thread and which one is 2-thread?
Reference 1:

Reference 2:

If you guessed 1-thread on the left and 2-thread on the right, you're right! The 2-thread stitch is wider in size, while the 1-thread is thinner in size.
Why It Matters: Supporting the Story, Not Just the Style
Whether you decide on getting a 1-thread or 2-thread Wayuu bag, you’re not just buying a bag, you’re supporting a culture, a family, and a living tradition. The artisans who make these bags, often Wayuu women, rely on this work for their livelihoods. The difference in price between a one-thread and a two-thread bag reflects not just the time and skill involved, but the meaning embedded in every stitch.
It’s also important to note that Wayuu bags have been heavily copied and produced outside of the community without any connection to the Wayuu people or fair compensation. If someone or a brand is selling them as something else or making it themselves with no ties to a Wayuu community and are marketing them as “Wayuu bags”, they’re fake! That’s why buying directly from Wayuu artisans or trusted partners is so important. When you do, you’re helping preserve their culture and these unique designs that make a Wayuu mochila the bag it is.
Below, is a visual guide for a quick look at the differences between both techniques!