I have been working with Larisa (13), a friend's daughter but more like a granddaughter, for six years. We meet once a week for several hours. Her handquilting is the envy of adults, about 11 stitches an inch. I had taken one of her cheater cloths to an outing where I knew several quilts would be there. They "ooed" and "awed" and were then astounded to learn that Larisa had done it while still 12. Her stitches are straight and even. I contracted her to quilt a baby quilt for me. She is better now than I was at my best. She is just a natural, loves applique, has made and handquilted a twin quilt.
Start them early. The comparison of Larisa's work from when she was eight is amazing.
She thanks and thanks me for my time and help. I call her my sponge; just absorbs everything. My only requirement of her is to one day pass it on to others which is biblical wherein "the older women shall teach the young". She will.
Love this youngster as my own. Suzanne