I saw my fraternal grandmother make quilts for as long as I can remember.. and I started hand stitching from an early age. When I got older.. I just decided I'd make a quilt.. I don't think I ever gave a thought to "needing to know how" to make a quilt. and I've been doing it ever since...<grin>
A nice simple pattern for a beginner is a rail fence.. just stay away from curved seams and points for a little while.