I require those who want to learn Sashiko directly from us to take the Core & Essence (C/E) class, regardless of their experience in Sashiko or other forms of hand-stitching.
The only exception is my introductory course on Domestika. Because the course was developed with the goal of introducing Sashiko to more people at a more affordable price, its content includes material that comes both before and after Core & Essence.
It was created as an accessible introduction to Sashiko. However, when participants wish to continue learning with us more deeply, I ask them to take Core & Essence.
This requirement is not intended to create an unnecessary barrier. It exists because the class provides a shared foundation that cannot be replaced by short explanations, isolated techniques, or videos alone.
Core & Essence Is More Than Learning How to Use a Thimble
If I had to summarize the Core & Essence of Sashiko in one phrase, I would say it is Unshin—the movement of the needle. Our Unshin uses a unique tool: a round palm thimble. However, the Core & Essence cannot be understood simply by learning how to use the thimble.
At the beginning of my teaching journey, Core & Essence was the only Sashiko class I offered. It used to be three hours long.
After many years of teaching and learning from my students, I now consider six hours to be the minimum amount of time necessary to communicate its foundation properly. During the pandemic, I also developed the Online Sashiko Class as a hybrid program combining recorded lessons with a private Live Session.
Some people may reasonably wonder:
“Why do I need to take Core & Essence if I can already do Sashiko?”
Before 2016, there were almost no videos, articles, or tutorials explaining how to use a round palm thimble for Sashiko. Today, instructions can be found almost anywhere. I am also one of the people who has shared this information online.
Therefore, learning the basic mechanics of using the thimble may no longer require a significant investment of time or resources.
However, knowing how to use the thimble is not the same as receiving the Core & Essence of the Sashiko we practice.
The class is not simply about where to place the thimble, how to hold the needle, or how to make running stitches. It is about understanding the posture, rhythm, movement, mindset, and relationship with the fabric that support the practice.
These elements are difficult to understand through appearance alone. That is why I now believe six hours is the minimum. For some participants, more time may be necessary to fully understand what Core & Essence means. Still, within six hours, I believe I can help you prepare for the journey ahead.
Why I Require a Shared Foundation - Kata.
When students continue to other workshops—not necessarily advanced ones, but workshops covering a variety of subjects—retreats, or other opportunities to learn with us, I need to know that we share the same basic language, understanding, and form: Kata.
Without Kata, I may need to return repeatedly to the most fundamental points while trying to share a wider range of materials. This can make the experience confusing for the participant and more difficult for everyone involved.
Core & Essence allows us to begin from the same place.
It also gives me an opportunity to observe how each participant moves the needle, uses the thimble, forms stitches, and approaches the practice. Small adjustments at this stage can make a significant difference later. After all, everyone is different, and everyone has different hands. The form may need to be adjusted—not arbitrarily, but based on experience.
Interestingly, I have not yet met anyone who completed Core & Essence and felt that the class had nothing to offer them. Even participants with years of stitching experience often discover something different from what they expected.
There are things I still need to share directly through this class, whether in person or during the Online Live Session. That is why I require Core & Essence as a prerequisite for continuing to learn with us more deeply.
The More We Learn, the Deeper It Becomes
One of the most frightening stages in learning—and one I have experienced many times—is the moment when we believe we already know, or think we can already do it fully.
In reality, the deeper we go, the less we may feel we know.
The more we learn, the deeper the practice becomes.
I do not claim that I can take anyone to the deepest end of Sashiko. I am still in the process of learning myself. However, I can help participants prepare for the journey and offer a foundation from which they can continue.
The Sashiko I witnessed in my childhood was not a technique that could be completed after one class. It was a lifetime practice.
Its appearance can be copied, and its stitches can be reproduced. For that reason, Unshin may appear easy to master simply by imitating it. However, it cannot be fully received without trying, repeating, guessing, and continuing over time with the proper form and approach.
Core & Essence is the entrance to that process.
Choose the Format That Works for You
Core & Essence is available in both in-person and online formats.
In-Person Core & Essence
The in-person class offers direct instruction in either a small-group or private setting. Availability is limited because I offer only a certain number of workshops each year.
When I offer a multi-day workshop, such as a five-day retreat, Core & Essence is always included on the first day.
[View the In-Person Core & Essence Schedule Here]
Online Sashiko Class: Core & Essence
The online class combines recorded lessons with a private Live Session. Participants can study the recorded materials at their own pace and then meet with me directly for individual guidance.
[Learn More and Register for the Online Sashiko Class: Core & Essence]
The online class may occasionally appear sold out. This does not mean that registration has closed permanently.
I limit the number of active students I accept at one time so that I can provide each participant with appropriate attention and support. When the class is sold out, please return in approximately one month and check again. Openings usually become available as current students complete their Live Sessions.
An Invitation to Continue the Journey
Over the last ten years, I have completed what I consider the most important work of my life: reviving the Sashiko I witnessed in my childhood and creating a way to pass it on. In a few years, I believe we will be ready to share the results of this work with the world. We are preparing for that now.
I also look forward to introducing the many Sashiko friends who have continued receiving and practicing it over the years.
Anyone can practice Sashiko. However, learning it more deeply may require a shift in perspective—sometimes small and sometimes significant.
Core & Essence is where we begin preparing for that shift.
Please join us on this journey.