To let my DGD learn to run my machine, I drew lines on paper and untreaded the machine and let her stitch on the paper following the lines. She learned to pivot on the corners and to go around curves before we got to fabric. Then I started her on a can coozie and a pillowcase. I drew lines on the fabric and she stitched them until she learned to follow the guide on the thrat plate for seam allowances. We made a small doll quilt too. Pillows for the bed are good practice and boxer shorts or pajama pants are too. There are lots of beginning projects for a young sewer to learn on.