How to Hand Quilt with Esther Miller ~ Lesson 1: Hand Position above the quilt

Lesson 1 ~ Learn to Hand Quilt like Esther Miller: Hand Position Above the Quilt
Esther invites you to learn how to quilt as finely and evenly as she does. Building on the Amish hand quilting technique she learned at four years of age, Esther further developed and refined her technique over the past 70 years. Now you can share in her knowledge and experience.
Courses:
www.kurse.mill...
Tools and Supplies:
www.millersqui...
Frame: Jems Frame Love Maple
Thimble: Roxanne's Thimble
Thumb thimble: Ted's Thumb Thimble
Needles: Roxanne's betweens #11
Thread: YLI
Needleslide by MillersQuilting
00:00 Intro Hand Position
00:28 Amish Background
02:18 Flexibility Demo
03:40 Exercise 1
05:13 Exercise 2
05:50 Preview
06:15 Outro

[@lauraporter6516]

I'm a new quilter and this video was great. I really loved the information but the photos you showed of all the ladies and children together quilting really touched my heart. I wish I came from a family of quilters. I wanted to learn many decades ago but there was no one to teach me; thank goodness for You Tube and for people like you who are willing to share your knowledge and skills with us.

[@millersquilting]

You are very welcome. Maybe you can join us for a quoting bee sometime..

[@ragdollyally]

What a wonderful thing the internet is - it’s a privilege to be able to learn these kind of heritage skills from a lady who’s done this her entire life! Thank you, I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series!

[@millersquilting]

You are very welcome

[@louettesommers8594]

AMEN.

[@louettesommers8594]

About 40 years ago I had a quilt in a frame and allowed anyone who wanted to try it to stitch for awhile. My niece was about 7 or 8 and she loved it. I left her stitches in. When I see them it brings back so many sweet memories.

[@femmefatalexX1]

God bless the woman! She need a television show. She’s as calming and wholesome as Mrs Rogers!

[@millersquilting]

Thank you.

[@barbaraness4507]

My grandmother on my dad’s side made so many quilts! Thankfully I inherited her squares, and toppers when she passed. I look forward to finishing her quilts. The prettiest one she made, or that I saw was the one she gave me as a wedding gift. I was very poor back then so I used it on my bed for years. Today it is very tattered, and not able to be repaired. My husband suggested I pick out 1-2 of the nicest sections, and frame them. I think that’s a great idea!

[@lorij7922]

I wanted so much to learn the proper way to hand quilt, and I found your channel. Thank you so much. I have learned proper needle handling techniques, and my wrist no longer hurts when I stitch. You are a true inspiration.

[@millersquilting]

That's what it's all about. Glad it helped.

[@fernemcallister6774]

What a gifted teacher. And I just know you are a very interesting person. Wish I knew you!

[@millersquilting]

Esther passed away in 2021. Her daughter is teaching, in case you are interested.

[@jmc-xp6ml]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@opulentlilt455]

Now do that 50 times... next step, now do that 50 times. This is an amazing concept for habit forming. You made this video three years ago, I don't know why it came on my feed but I am so glad it did. Thank you.

[@millersquilting]

Yes this is how she taught in her classes as well. If you take time to let your brain catch up your results are nearly guaranteed.

[@patfrontuto5342]

Ms. Esther your lessons are so straight forward, and I am so intrigued to learn from your God given talent! Thank you!

[@obryan05]

I just found your videos, and I am super excited about learning to quilt your way! I had to stop hand quilting a few years ago, i.e., carpel tunnel, and machine work is just not the same…in looks, nor in the joy of the work. My Amish neighbor built a floor standing quilt frame for me, and after watching your videos over and over, and doing the exercises you give in them, I am ready to try hand quilting again! Thank you for sharing your phenomenal talent and knowledge of this precious art!

[@millersquilting]

That is good to hear.

[@lynnlegault9297]

My mom and grandmother hand quilted their quilts, I still feel like a cheat to machine quilt. I've been wanting to learn a bit of hand quilting... I think I found the right place to learn.

[@millersquilting]

It can be very relaxing. Machine quilting is a little bit like driving a car, which gets you to where you need to go. But sometimes you just need to take stroll and enjoy the sunset.. That's hand quilting.

[@DianaJewell-jf9ep]

Who knew picking up a needle with ring finger and thumb could be a quilting lesson !!!..❤ 😊

[@millersquilting]

It works.

[@danielle91]

I enjoy the time you take to make sure we understand exactly how to do what you're showing us. It's really hard to find that in a video these days.

[@millersquilting]

Thank you Danielle

[@sophiemurray6215]

It’s very strange as a calligrapher, artist, hand sewing, I’ve never seen anyone except Americans use their hand for eating, writing, painting etc in the way you first showed. I simply can’t think how you do it. So I’m glad you’re showing this methods, as it gives so much better dexterity.

[@millersquilting]

Esther learned it as a 4 year old Amish girl, when she first learned how to quilt. Only in her fifties, when developing her courses, did she realize that it's something most people need to be taught.

[@millersquilting]

I hope it helps you. It's actually something my mother had to reverse-engineer. She learned it this way without thinking about it. So to teach, she had to deconstruct what she was doing in order to help others.

[@Heyreneesews]

I search and rejected five videos on hand quilting for beginners before finding yours. Thank you so much for sharing. I can’t wait to watch more of your instruction.❤

[@millersquilting]

I'm glad you found us

[@sherip1270]

Thank you so much for sharing with us. We are truly blessed to have you willing to teach us. May the Lord bless you for your goodness.

[@millersquilting]

You are welcome. Esther was indeed a blessing to everyone she met.

[@julieweaver2285]

I am a quilter, but, am new to hand quilting. I was encouraged to try it by an ex-Amish friend of mine. This was a great starting point!😁

[@millersquilting]

As long as you are patient with yourself you will surely get there.

[@lindathomas3457]

I am thrilled to learn another way to improve my quilting. Now, at 75, I'm not sure I can train these old fingers to change, but I'm certainly going to try. Thank you. You are a good, patient instructor.

[@millersquilting]

We are cheering for you. You can do it..

[@poppies1215]

I am so encouraged to learn to quilt properly. Thank you so much for making a tradition stay alive through your tutorials. Now off to practice…🥹🪡

[@millersquilting]

You are very welcome. We are just happy if the tradition is successfully passed on.

[@rosehixon2790]

Thank you so much! I have tried and tried to Quilt and have been doing it wrong all this time, and my stitches have never been as beautiful as the ones I admire in the middle night and Amish communities. I will do as you say, and I am so grateful to you for being willing to teach.

[@millersquilting]

You can definitely succeed at this.

[@agnieszkaacka6733]

Beautiful job ❤

[@pjstatenisland1575]

This is so interesting and you are such a patient teacher. I recently started machine sewing and did my first machine quilt table runner. I am in awe of the work you do and will continue watching so that someday I can try the hand quilting. Thanks and God bless.

[@millersquilting]

As esther used to say: if you are patient and follow instructions you can definitely learn.

[@barbaraness4507]

I was raised in the LDS (Mormon) religion, and we did the same. I have the fondest memories of quilting, and socializing with the other women.

[@azuliverde21]

I’m astonished! I’ve been quilting for the last 12 years and haven’t heard anything about that way of picking the needle. Thanks a lot. Now I’m following you and will try your advices.

[@millersquilting]

Esther quilted for 55 years before finding this method. It made her stitches more regular, her fingers unpricked and her students learn faster.

[@hazelem1266]

I really enjoyed the photos and your personal history.

[@MsDjvinson]

Thank you I will do my homework ❤

[@millersquilting]

Perfect..

[@cynthiapadget5770]

I am just getting started with quilting. My mother was an excellent sewist, and she made my father's suits for work. However, she didn't quilt. I wanted to learn how to do hand quilting, after machine piecing, and it looks like I came to the right place. I love your video clips of people getting together, children playing on the floor. Very sweet. Thank you for sharing!

[@millersquilting]

I am glad you are joining the hand quilting family.

[@cynthiapadget5770]

Thank you so much. Your kind reply has made my day! @@millersquilting

[@melindastines2526]

I am very new to quilting and I chose to learn how to hand quilt correctly. I find it very therapeutic and relaxing, similar to becoming one with my artwork.. I am so very THANKFUL to have come across your tutorials. You are a dear! ❤

[@millersquilting]

Thank you much. I am glad you find them helpful.

[@marthabenner6528]

I have been hand sewing since I was two or three, but I have never quilted before. So after doing some research on the kind I would like to make, I looked up how to do it and I immediately found you. I have been sewing with my thumb and my middle finger, immediately noticeably the way you're teaching it is a little more comfortable, thank you.

[@millersquilting]

Esther started quilting when she was 4. And she kept it up her whole life. She taught several thousand people in person, and her technique lives on here.

[@user-qh5tf8yd2y]

I wish I could sit with you to learn this :)

[@millersquilting]

We habe started offering courses again.

[@user-qh5tf8yd2y]

@@millersquilting So glad to hear that; however, I live in upstate NY so I can't *sit with you and learn :/ But I will continue to watch your wonderful videos -- thank you!

[@elisabethgent1532]

I had to re-teach myself how to hand sew with a thimble recently, having started embroidering years ago not knowing any better. It took a bit to get used to, but as soon as I picked up the needle with my ring finger, my middle finger automatically went where it was supposed to go before you got to the part with the thimble. Thank you so much for a fantastic demonstration. It's amazing how natural my hand felt!

[@millersquilting]

Perfect.

[@beverlybenson9981]

Thank you for the video ❤

[@millersquilting]

Very welcome, hope it helps.

[@Mama2Many82]

I am so grateful to have found your channel! I’ve made a few amateur quilts in the past, but my 16-year-old daughter and I have recently gotten really interested in quilting together, and I have learned that I absolutely love hand quilting while I nurse my baby. 🥰 I can’t wait to watch all of your videos and glean everything I can…and PRACTICE! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with those of us who don’t have anyone to pass this art down to us! ❤️

[@millersquilting]

That is rantasic. Connecting more than...

[@fernemcallister6774]

What a gifted teacher!

[@millersquilting]

This is her gift to you.

[@cashby1425]

I just “found” you on KZbin and I’m so happy I did. I would like to learn this craft! I will be watching your tutorials. Thank you!!

[@millersquilting]

Wonderful. You are. Very welcome here.

[@jeandoojune]

I’m so happy I found this. Due to my EDS I apperebtly already know how to hold the needle correctly on my own. I’m working on my first quilt and I’m enjoying every minute of it. techniques shown here will certainly help me be more efficinet 😅

[@millersquilting]

That is so great. Thank you for joining us.

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Lovely stitching! Thanks for sharing your work and ideas!

[@PoLarBear_1973]

Absolutely wonderful, thank you Esther

[@millersquilting]

Very welcome from Angelo (her son)

[@joycej9415]

Love your story. I grew up being able to sit around and under the quilt frame that came down from the living room ceiling at Grandma's house. When her sisters all came they quilted all the tops. I hand quilted 30 years ago and now are watching you to relearn so I can handquilt a wedding ring quilt for myself. I have a 3 roller frame so I don't quilt with it flat but your tips are useful. Thanks!

[@millersquilting]

I hope Esther's instructions will help you.

[@ChezVies]

Thank you for your valuable lesson. I am going to practice this technique 🙏🙏

[@suzannesterling260]

I wish I knew this method many years ago. Thank you.

[@millersquilting]

Im glad if it helps you..

[@themontecristo1985]

I love the fact that you broken this down into exercise. Practice does make perfect, but only if you practice correctly. Thanks!

[@millersquilting]

Yes Esther was always someone who could deconstruct things to understand them. She was gifted that way.

[@sharoncoble6109]

Thank you…I will practice! ❤

[@kathyvetter663]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent!

[@dianahartman]

Thank you for this video. It will take awhile but hopefully I will be hand quilting the correct way.

[@millersquilting]

That's great

[@vickisromovski4979]

Love your videos . Yhank you!😊

[@michelecraig9658]

Very helpful video.

[@lynnmking3008]

This was really interesting to learn! I'm looking forward to your next video. I'm new to quilting and want to learn as much as I can about hand quilting and your videos are well done!

[@millersquilting]

Thank you. Just take your time to get every step right.. Don't rush on to the next thing, like we feel we have to do these days.. 😉

[@lynnlegault9297]

Amazing teacher

[@terribishop5313]

I'll be darn! Excellent information to pass on very grateful thank you

[@millersquilting]

I'm happy if it helps.

[@suemcclung5448]

Thank you! This was helpful. I look forward to the next one.

[@millersquilting]

Happy to hear that;)

[@joancarlson7661]

Bless you, I am sure glad to have found your channel. Looking forward to trying your methods

[@millersquilting]

You are welcome, let us know how it goes.

[@cviens1]

Thank you so very much!! I really enjoyed this video! I cant wait for the next one!

[@millersquilting]

I am happy to hear that.

[@maryharvey724]

I see what you mean by the fuller range of motion. I’m going to practice! 50 times! Then 50 with the thimble.

[@millersquilting]

Perfect.

[@mynameisbekah]

This is wonderful!!

[@millersquilting]

Thsbk you

[@tammyshamlinhansen9866]

Very interesting. Love the instruction . Presented material clear amd consice. Will continue to follow. My only question is where do you purchase the frame thimble and and ceramic tool in the USA?

[@millersquilting]

Not in the USA. In Germany. We ship word wide. You can find us at www.mqlt.de

[@aconyers06]

Ms. Esther thank you so much for the tutorials, might I ask where could I find a thimble like the one that you use in this video?

[@millersquilting]

Sure that's www.mqlt.de

[@aconyers06]

Thank you 😊 ​@@millersquilting

[@bcady3]

Do you have to baste a quilt if the frame has 2 side boards and 2 end roller boards much like those pictured at the beginning of your video? Thank you for posting your videos. They are most helpful.

[@millersquilting]

With our frames there is absolutely no need to Baste. In general, if you are able to roll your backing up separately from your quilttop and batting, you should not need to baste.

[@carollong4997]

Where did you get your thimble? I am a lefty. I have used the leather thimbles but yours has a unique shape to it.

[@millersquilting]

Hi. We use and sell Roxanne's thimbles. We also use the needle slide under the quilt to keep from picking our fingers. These are also available in our webshop. Www.mqlt.de

[@maddygvanlifer435]

Thank you! Do you do cathedral windows?

[@millersquilting]

Sorry can't help with that.

[@TerriMagoo]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jodiwolff5543]

I have been practicing but what I can I about a strain I feel in my thumb when I pick up the needle? I look forward to watching your videos and your work is exquisite.

[@millersquilting]

Hi Jodi, maybe you should see if your thumb is tight. If so work on gently mobilizing before you start quilting as well as in between.

[@zhinka1]

I lost most of my ring finger and middle finger in a farming accident with a scythe when I was a kid, how would you suggest I hold the needle ?

[@millersquilting]

This seems like a question best answered in person, after seeing how well you can use your hand. From a distance I would recommend quilting with your non dominant hand and using your good index finger with the needle slide under the quilt.

[@michaelastandley8531]

Dear Esther, I live in Great Britain and I have been unable to source the porcelain needle slide which you wear on your left hand when quilting. Is it possible for you to send a link so that I may purchase one or more from the USA. Many thanks. Michaela.❤

[@millersquilting]

Absolutely. I will answer for Esther since she has gone ahead of us. The website is www.mqlt.de. Be sure to use the measuring instructions you can find on our channel. It's the one about how to use and fit the needleslide. With kind regards, Angelo Miller

[@Joy-tb1cp]

What kind of thread do you use that will hold a knot in the material without doubling the thread? To quilt by hand

[@millersquilting]

Esther always and only used YLI quilting thread. She tried everything she could before settling on it.

[@ellenmcnamara535]

Esther can you purchage the white finger protecter from you.

[@millersquilting]

Hi. We sell the porcelain needle slide at our online shop. Www.mqlt.de Be sure to watch our sizing video so you can order the right one.

[@elizabethdavidson4188]

I can't seem to make the thimble feel natural. I've bought all different kinds of thimbles in the hopes to find one that will work with me and I just always find myself taking it off.

[@millersquilting]

Esther always felt the same way. She found her perfect fit when she tried the sterling silver Roxanne thimble. She felt like it was hard enough to take the pressure and soft enough to feel good. It does require a relatively tight fit however.