My daughter was always at my machine years ago. She is/was a natural to sewing. When she was 8 we purchased her a machine of her own for Christmas and she used it all the way to college. She has graduated now to a more sophiscated machine and owns a Bernina 730E after several Vikings. Her first grade school picture is of her wearing a red corduroy jumper she made. Yes, it included a zipper at the back.
In the past, I was a 4H leader and taught very young ones (8+) to quilt. At first I had to be at the machine when they stitched, but once I could see they were following my rules about hand placement, etc., they were on there own. Teaching children is a real treasure as you see them progress. I had a 13 yo who could hand quilt better than I ever did. Her work is outstanding and she has the ribbons to prove same. -- It has always been my motto, "Each One, Teach One (or more"). God has given us a talent and we must share it.