Elsita Item ID: 2674227320

Name: Elsita
Brand: One Thread Collective
SKU: 2674227320
Price: 130.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$135 $135 $120

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About this item

Mochilas are traditional crocheted crossbody bags that have been handwoven by Indigenous women of the Wayuu tribe for centuries in La Guajira, Colombia.

A labor of love, each bag can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days to make. Durable, timeless, and full of meaning, these mochilas are made to be cherished for years while supporting the women and communities who create them.

The Elsita mochila is one of our most spectacular mochilas - an elegant design that also embodies the rich culture and ancestry of the Wayúu. This special design is named after one of our most talented weavers, Elsita Epieyu.

*Note: The medium is woven with a single thread, a weaving style that allows for exquisite detail and also takes twice as long to weave, hence the comparable price to the large size.

Item detail

1 lb
Small mochila: 17cm base x 20cm height Medium mochila: 20cm base x 23cm height Large mochila: 24cm base x 28cm height
Made by hand— not machine. Your mochila may not be exactly like the mochila in the photo. Enjoy the little details of your bag knowing it's an expression of the unique talent and weaving style of the artisan who made your mochila.
Gentle machine wash.
Tip: pull the drawstring together and place the tassels inside the mochila.
X Do not tumble-dry
X Do not bleach
X Do not iron

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About the maker

One Thread Collective

We are proud to be the most ethical mochila brand in the world. 100% of profits are reinvested into educational programs for Wayuu women, and we provide artisans with interest-free micro loans so they can grow on their own terms. Even more, 10% of every purchase funds a community-led project chosen by the artisan herself—projects that bring food, water, and hope to her family and neighbors.

When you carry a One Thread Collective mochila, you are carrying a piece of culture, a woman’s vision for her future, and a thread of connection that ties us all together.

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Meet the maker

One Thread Collective Woven by women, rooted in tradition, and designed to change lives.

One Thread Collective is more than a brand—it’s a social movement dedicated to promoting ethical fashion that goes far beyond fair trade. Each product is hand-crocheted by one of 120 Wayuu artisans from 10 remote Indigenous communities in La Guajira, Colombia, carrying generations of tradition, resilience, and artistry in every stitch. These are not just bags—they are stories, woven to last a lifetime.

We are proud to be the most ethical mochila brand in the world. 100% of profits are reinvested into educational programs for Wayuu women, and we provide artisans with interest-free micro loans so they can grow on their own terms. Even more, 10% of every purchase funds a community-led project chosen by the artisan herself—projects that bring food, water, and hope to her family and neighbors.

When you carry a One Thread Collective mochila, you are carrying a piece of culture, a woman’s vision for her future, and a thread of connection that ties us all together.

Jackie from One Thread Collective Santa Barbara, California | Supporting Wayuu women artisans with fair trade income and educational programs.

In 2018–2019, while working with Native communities in La Guajira, Colombia, I saw first-hand the challenges facing Wayuu families: food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement, and extreme poverty. Despite countless aid programs, many families remained trapped in crisis—yet the women’s devotion to creating a better future for their children was undeniable.

These women weren’t seeking charity; they asked for help selling their mochilas internationally. With no smartphones or bank accounts, their only option was local markets where they barely broke even.

Inspired by their artistry and resilience, I co-founded One Thread Collective—a nonprofit brand that empowers Wayuu women to preserve their weaving traditions while supporting their families and improving life in their communities.

What began as a small effort has grown into a movement uplifting more than 120 women weavers and pioneering a model of ethical fashion that goes far beyond fair trade.

Maker Badge Community Builder

At One Thread Collective, we strengthen economic independence, self-determination, and community cohesion in under-resourced Indigenous Wayuu communities. By working directly with women artisans, we invest in the most powerful force for change—because women on average reinvest more than 90% of their income into their families and communities. Every mochila sold helps ensure that Wayuu women can earn a dignified income, preserve their cultural traditions, and lead projects that improve food and water security for their villages. In this way, our work uplifts women as leaders, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities for generations to come.