My friend teaches beginners, starting with a small cushion done in squares with a hidden zip at back . The zip easy done in easy conceal method on video or you could do one with a lap over section.
The front is made from squares the people cut using rotary skills. She has equipment to borrow for this first lesson.then joining with 1/4" seam and butting seams together. It's a small project which gets quick satisfaction. She used to do 3 stripes cut into blocks and joined table runners.