Field to back.

“There’s more than one way to peel an orange.”

Making bags – the challenge.

And when it comes to making bags, there’s more than one way to do that too.

At Cora + Spink, we believe in doing things well, doing them with people we like, in places we know, and in ways that make sense. Every bag we make begins its journey in the cotton fields of India and ends up, hopefully, on your back. But in between, there’s a rich, human process that brings together farmers, spinners, weavers, designers, cutters, and craftspeople.

Step 1: Cotton

The process begins in the cotton fields of North India. Here, traditional farming techniques are used to grow high-quality cotton that respects the land and its rhythms. This cotton forms the foundation of every bag we make: natural, strong, and full of character.

Step 2: Harvesting and Processing

Once matured, the cotton is harvested and cleaned. Impurities are removed, and the fibre is sorted for spinning. At this point, we introduce reclaimed cotton—offcuts, leftover yarns, and fibres that would otherwise go to waste. By blending reclaimed and virgin cotton, we create a yarn that’s not only strong, but also gives new life to old materials.

Step 3: Yarn to Canvas

The yarn is spun, then woven into canvas. This is the fabric you see and feel when you pick up a Cora + Spink bag: dense, durable, and full of texture. We dye and finish the fabric using techniques that reduce water use and avoid unnecessary chemicals. It starts out stiff, but softens beautifully over time, much like denim.

Step 4: Recycled Cotton Linings

Inside each C+S (and soon outside - but this is an Easter Egg) is something special, hand-spun Khadi cotton, made by cooperatives using reclaimed fibres. This lining not only honours traditional Indian weaving, it also helps reduce the demand for virgin material. It's part of bringing less technology back, and a true meaning of less is more. The hand workers, really do benefit the most.