I've been teaching some classes for LQS in our Az. winter months..I have only taught 1 beginner class..I stress ..accurate cutting(learn ruler,not mat) what 1/4 seam versus 1/4 scant means and why..I do believe if you can sew..you can make a quilt top..pressing and it's importance..reading through the instructions 1st and jotting down..in your own words..so you understand it..and the difference between finished and unfinished size(seam allowances) On a funny note..when I advertised my class..I just said beginner classes..I meant beginner QUILTING class..lol..so when I got 2 ladies who had never sewed and brought their brand new machine with them it was a shock..I helped them through the basics and they stuck it out..but I told them what classes they really needed!!