At Amado, every bag carries a story–a story of skill, tradition, and dedication—woven together by our artisans in Guatemala. The entire process is handmade, using only a few simple tools: a wooden mold (built specifically for each bag size), pliers, scissors, and a lighter. From start to finish, every step highlights the artistry and patience required for each piece.
The journey begins with the base. A wide recycled thread, called cinta, is carefully woven to form the foundation of the bag, creating a strong and durable structure that sets the stage for the intricate weaving to come.
Next comes the hilo—a thinner recycled plastic thread–that is stretched and attached to the nails along the wooden mold. With incredible precision, artisans weave the thread horizontally to create one of our signature patterns. The weaving process alone can take anywhere between 2 and 12 hours, depending on the size of the bag.
To finish each section, the ends of the thread are fused together by carefully burning them with a lighter, then–once cooled–are sealed with pliers. The handles of every bag are also woven by hand, each requiring a specific length of thread that varies according to the bag’s size.
Once the weaving is completed, our signature leather tag is hand-stitched inside the bag, tying together modern design and traditional craftsmanship. Before leaving the artisan’s home, each bag is carefully inspected to ensure it meets our standards of durability and beauty.
No two Amado bags are ever the same. Each artisan brings her own rhythm and touch to the process, making every piece as unique as the woman who crafted it. From their homes in Guatemala to our headquarters in the U.S., these bags are accompanied by their own story of artistry, fair trade, and sustainable practices.
