I made a crayon roll up and it is a fast project, uses little fabric, is useful to her when done and is a bit forgiving. Just another idea...

When I started my DGDs, we made pillowcases. They were fairly quick, and they had a finished item to use that night. I also bought a book at my LQS that has 100 projects that use 1 yard of fabric. My 3 DGDs went through the book and picked projects that they want to make. Some are advanced, so we have projects for a long time. I also had them sew on paper to follow the line--it seems their biggest problem is staying straight and not sewing off the edge of the fabric or into the middle. Have fun. My greatest joy was teaching my DGD's to sew.
Sue

My 8-yo dgd recently made herself a pair of pajama pants. She was so proud. Her mom did help with cutting though.

Thanks ladies for all the suggestions!!! Looking so forward to teaching my lil gal!!!

You might want to check with your county Extension Agent to see what kind of beginner 4-H sewing project instruction sheets they have. They usually have some very easy patterns and instructions. I know they have one series called "Under Construction" for 8 year olds. Teaches the basics.

I taught 3 kids to sew last summer. 7th grader,5th grader and 2nd grader. I started them out with string blocks and then we made some pillowcases for QOV. At the end, they got to pick out fabric and make a pillowcase for themselves. I started them off stitching on lined notebook paper without any thread. When they could stitch on the line, I drew some curves...circles, spirals. Then off to the string blocks. They had a great time and so did I!

A potholder for mom or you and don't forget to ask her what she wants to make. If she comes up with a giant of a project suggest lttle proects that will help her build her skills each one leading her toward her big project. What about simple fleece hat and scarf that she can use or gift.
Fleece is pretty forgiving and on sale or remnamts readily available at this time of year.

Good suggestions from everyone. Last summer I started with my 8 yo GD.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...w-t195329.html

The Stars for Christmas decorations were so easy. Trace a star onto freezer paper and cut out. Pin two 6 " squares of Christmas fabric wrong sides together. Press freezer paper star to one side. Sew around the outside edge of the star. Peel off the star and trim about 1/4" away with a pinking shears. The star can be reused for another ornament. A tree, stocking or mitten can also be used. She has a bell to do, but a few too many curves. The star was ideal as is the tree.
Yesterday she was working on 4P blocks of a quilt made from her great GPa's shirts. We are working on it together to give to her Aunt for Christmas. What fun to hear her talk about GPa as she was sewing on his shirts. I had thought to MQ it, but I like the tying idea as she can participate in the finish.
Oh you are beginning a wonderful journey, and it will bring a smile to your face every time she finishes a project and her face just glows!