Crafting Crochet Mochila Bags: A Beginner's Guide To Summer Style

The Wayuu Tribe in Colombia is known for its expertise in the art of making mochila bags, which are characterised by intricate crochet work and exceptional skill. The crochet technique used to create these bags involves primarily single crochet stitches, with the option to incorporate other stitches, and the unused yarn strands are carried under the working stitches when switching colours. The process is slow and meticulous, resulting in a unique and intricate design. Crocheting a mochila bag can be challenging, especially when it comes to colour changes, but it is a rewarding project for those looking to advance their crochet skills.

Marion Verloop's Mochila Bag tutorials

Marion Verloop, an expert in mochila bag design, has created a range of online tutorials and patterns for crocheters to follow. Her designs are highly regarded, with her patterns considered the cream of the crop.

Verloop's Mochila Bag pattern is available to purchase for €5 on Ravelry. The bag is made using the tapestry technique, with single crochet through the back loop. The pattern includes a graph and written instructions for the bottom of the bag, which has 10 increases. There are also graphs for the side and the strap. The pattern also includes an explanation of the mochila technique and links to videos explaining the different techniques. The finished bag has a diameter of about 17 cm and a height of about 27 cm. The pattern suggests using 2 skeins each of light blue, yellow, and orange yarn, and 3 skeins of dark blue.

Verloop also offers some free instructional videos on her YouTube channel, covering the basic techniques needed to make a Mochila Bag. She also has some free patterns available on her Facebook group, 'Mochila bags, crochet', although a subscription is required.

How to change colours in crochet

Adding colours to your crochet project is a great way to make it visually appealing. Changing colours in crochet is a commonly used technique to add some visual interest to the piece. This technique is often used for amigurumi and can be used to create crochet checkered bucket hats or colourful mochila bags.

Mochila bags are a type of crochet bag that can be made using different colours and patterns. You can find many patterns for these bags online, especially on sites like Etsy and YouTube. Some patterns are free, while others are paid.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of how to change colours in crochet:

Step 1:

When changing colours between rows to create stripes, try the half-colour change technique. This will give you a neater colour change and prevent the colours from "bleeding" into the next row. This technique can be adapted for different stitches, such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, or triple crochet.

Step 2:

On your last stitch with the old colour, insert your hook into the stitch as you usually would. Start the stitch and draw up a loop with the old colour. This will create the foundation for the colour change.

Step 3:

Yarn over with the new colour. Pull the new colour through both loops on your hook to finish off the stitch. This will securely bring in the new colour, and you can continue crocheting with it.

Step 4:

By changing to the new colour in the last step, you create a loop in the new colour that will sit on top of the stitch you continue to crochet with. This ensures a smooth and neat colour transition.

Tips for Changing Colours:

• If you plan to change back to the old colour later in your project, you can carry the unused colour inside the stitches instead of cutting and weaving in the ends. This method is more efficient and avoids having multiple loose ends.
• When carrying the unused yarn colour, make sure to carry the yarn on the wrong side of the fabric. Have the unused yarn sit above your hook as you make the stitch so it's embedded inside the stitch.
• Before you change colour again, give the carried yarn end a gentle tug to ensure it's not bunched up inside the stitches.
• It is generally not recommended to knot your yarn when changing colours, as the knots may not hold up over time with wash and wear.
• If you have tails of yarn after changing colours, use a yarn needle to weave them securely into your work.

With these steps and tips, you'll be able to confidently change colours in your crochet mochila bag project, creating beautiful and vibrant patterns.

The art of making Mochilas

The Wayuu technique primarily involves single crochet stitches, but other stitches can also be used. The key difference is that the unused yarn strands are carried under the working stitches, eliminating the need for bobbins when switching colours. To change colours, simply pull up the new colour and place the existing one under the next stitch. This process is intricate and time-consuming but yields exceptional results.

When crocheting mochilas, it is essential to use tight and deliberate stitches, frequently checking the back of your work to ensure no strands are left behind or yarns stretched too tightly. Organising your yarn to prevent tangling is also crucial. Cotton-based yarns are ideal for maximum tightness and durability.

The hook size is another critical factor. A smaller hook, such as a 1.9 mm / US 5 hook, is recommended for mochila bags to achieve the desired tightness and tension. The project should feel stiff while crocheting due to the required tension.

Creating patterns for mochila bags can be challenging and time-consuming, often taking several months to develop. These patterns usually include written instructions, photographs, and diagrams to guide the design process.

With dedication, practice, and the right tools, one can master the art of making mochilas, creating intricate and beautiful bags that showcase exceptional crochet skills.

Tips for doing Wayuu crochet

Wayuu Crochet is a technique developed by the Wayuu Tribe in Colombia. It is a slow and intricate process that requires exceptional skill. Here are some tips for doing Wayuu crochet:

Be tight and deliberate with your stitches. This technique requires a lot of tightness and tension, so make sure your stitches are tight and deliberate. The project should feel stiff as you are crocheting it.

Check the back of your work frequently. It is important to ensure that you didn't leave any strands behind or any yarns are not stretched enough. This will help you maintain the quality of your work.

Keep your yarn organised. Wayuu crochet can be tangly, so keep your yarn organised to prevent tangles. Marion Verloop, an expert in Wayuu crochet, has some great ideas in her tutorials.

Count stitches when needed and use visual cues. This will help you speed up your process a bit.

Use cotton-based yarns. Cotton-based yarns will give you maximum tightness and ensure long-term usage of the bag.

Be precise with your hook movement. Do not over-exaggerate your hook movement. Be exact and you will find you don't need to pull up on loose strands as much.

Set mini-goals for yourself. Wayuu crochet is a slow and time-consuming process. To stay motivated, set mini-goals for yourself that you can achieve in each sitting. This will help you feel like you are making great progress.

How to weave a strap for a Mochila bag

Weaving a strap for a Mochila bag requires some preparation and knowledge of crochet techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to weave a strap for a Mochila bag:

Materials and Preparation:

Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary materials. For the strap, you will require yarn in your desired colours and a crochet hook. It is recommended to use cotton-based yarns for durability and long-term use. A smaller hook size is also preferred for a tighter stitch; Marion Verloop, an expert in Mochila bags, recommends a 1.9 mm hook.

Basic Techniques:

If you are new to crocheting, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with basic crochet stitches and techniques. The Mochila bag typically uses a single crochet stitch, but other stitches can be incorporated. One unique aspect of Wayuu Crochet, a technique developed by the Wayuu Tribe in Colombia, is that it does not use bobbins for colour switching. Instead, you carry the unused yarn strands under the working stitches and pull up the new colour when needed.

Weaving the Strap:

The strap for a Mochila bag can be created using a combination of single crochet stitches and colour changes to create a pattern. The length of the strap will depend on your preference, but it is typically woven in rows to achieve the desired length. You can find written instructions and graphs online to guide you through the process, or you can create your own pattern.

Attaching the Strap:

Once you have woven the strap to your desired length, you will need to attach it to the bag. Leave a long tail at the end of the strap to sew it onto the bag. Lay the bag flat and sew one end of the strap to the top right corner, and the other end to the bottom left corner, being careful not to twist the strap.

Finishing Touches:

After attaching the strap, weave in any loose ends to ensure the security and tidiness of your work. You can also add braids or tassels to the strap for decorative purposes, as seen in some Mochila bag designs.

Creating a strap for a Mochila bag requires patience and practice, but with the right techniques and materials, you can achieve a beautiful and functional strap to complement your bag.

Frequently asked questions