I am amazed at just how many people go into quilting prior to learning how to sew. I have sewn for 45+ years. I could make just about anything with or without a pattern. When I decided to learn about quiltmaking, I had this basic knowledge to work from. I knew you need a seam allowance. I knew you need to work with the grain of the fabric so as not to have the whole thing distorted. It would be like learning to read words before learning ABC's.
I guess teaching a basic class would not appeal to many people but it would sure give them a foundation to work from.