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:

Tools and Supplies:

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

[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!

[lauraporter]

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.

[opulentlilt]

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.

[louettesommers]

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.

[femmefatalexX]

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

[barbaraness]

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!

[lorij]

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.

[lindathomas]

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.

[barbaraness]

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.

[cynthiapadget]

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!

[marthabenner]

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.

[azuliverde]

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.

[patfrontuto]

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

[lynnlegault]

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.

[danabailey]

So far this makes sense. Looking forward to video 2 to learn how to continue. Thank you.

[poppies]

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…🥹🪡

[DianaJewell-jfep]

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

[obryan]

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!

[rosehixon]

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.

[sherip]

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.