May 13, 2025

The Karen Hill Tribe Bags

When I was in Chiangmai, Thailand, I had the honour of being invited to stay with the Karen Hill Tribe women who create these stunning bags. It was such a special experience being welcomed into their home, learning about their lives, and witnessing their incredible craft firsthand.

Each bag is woven by hand on a traditional backstrap loom, a method passed down through generations. The intricate patterns they create aren’t just beautiful, they carry the stories of their community, traditions, and the natural world around them.

— Shanti

See our small collection of these one-of-a-kind Karen Hill Tribe bags.

Karen weaver seated on a porch floor at a backstrap loom, weaving black cloth with red patterned bands

Woman in a red striped top and skirt with a knitted beanie and woven shoulder bag, on the phone at a loading dock Woven shoulder bags hanging from a wooden post, one lilac with fringing and one cream with red stitching, beside a pink umbrella Dim village kitchen with pots, kettles and a wok over an open fire on a timber floor Walking a quiet lane through green trees in a red striped skirt, a teal woven bag slung over her shoulder Hand holding a teal woven bag with black and white diamond bands, lilac trim and black fringe against a wooden door Simple timber guest room with a mattress on a red floral mat, rolled bedding and wooden shutters open to greenery Selfie in a traditional black tunic embroidered with pink and white beads, a turquoise bead necklace and pink striped skirt Four smiling women on a wooden bench at night in traditional woven tunics and striped skirts, with their bags beside them

The Karen Hill Tribe Bags

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