Goatmom

You might check out Manx Quilting on Pinterest. It doesn't require a machine.

Bless you for doing this!

Stitchnripper

I agree with everyone's comments above. We have Offer Up which I think is everywhere, an app, and there are low price sewing machines all the time. But hand sewing is an option too. I would also suggest too, that acquiring a fabric stash shouldn't be a goal. I don't have one. I have a basket of scraps, buy just what I need for a project. Check out Bonnie Hunter for scrap quilts.

Dreamer25

I personally love the idea of a low-tech teaching approach you're thinking of doing. Though I agree with everyone's suggestions not having the money for purchasing new fabric, a machine, and the notions you need can be overwhelming to those who want to learn sewing/quilting. I personally watch yard sales and estate sales for fabric and notions, and every once in a while I can find a good working sewing machine. If the group you're thinking of teaching lives close together suggest purchasing things as a group rather than individually yes it'll be hard since they don't have everything themselves but it's a way to get started. Teaching them how to hand sew is a good start as not many young people know how to do that if they aren't raised around someone who sews. I'm on a very tight budget to purchase my stuff and I'm trying to teach myself how to quilt, but I've been lucky enough to inherit majority of my notions, thread, fabric, and even my first sewing machine from relatives. I also watch for fabric sales and slowly over time get enough fabric that I want to use for a quilt.

Barb in Louisiana

I'd like to suggest making some potholders or mug rugs as a start. You can cover all the skills in a short period of time and they can be useful.

bearisgray

Go for mug rugs - not pot holders! Or a doll quilt - or a pillow top.

Because (useful) pot holders usually have a lot of thickness(es ) to deal with . I still find making a decent potholder to be a bit of a challenge - and I consider myself somewhat experienced.

bearisgray

I enjoyed having some hand piecing to take along while traveling. I think it is a useful skill.

The OP might even throw in how to resew a seam or hem that has come undone and how to sew on a button.

Also mention how to make the quilter's knot -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnHRnJWXWX4

Finally could get consistent knots!

Gemm

Thrifting for fabric doesn't always have to be just looking at old sheets. I've been able to source some sweet patterned 100% cotton fabrics in shirts (including Hawaiian and novelty patterns) and some homemade items (duvet covers, aprons, and dresses). Flannel shirts can also be an option if you want to look at rag-type quilts. You can also ask friends and family to pass on not-too-worn items - a shirt or cotton sundress with a food or wine stain on it isn't really going to sell, but could be cut up and put to use in a quilt.

There is an interesting journey described at https://www.quiltedtwins.com/upcycled-blues-project.htm.

As others have mentioned, there is definitely a challenge with working with "what you find" rather than what you may actually want and it can take time to gather your materials. It's important to keep an open mind, get the creative juices flowing by seeing the amazing work done here and have a nice bit of storage space for all of your finds!

Mdegenhart

I got fussed at in my beginning quilt class because I just could not get my 54-40 or fight block right on my machine so I hand-pieced it. I like hand sewing. I have all the blocks for a LeMoyne Star quilt pieced by hand because it is easier than on a machine.

Schill93

Maybe it's just me, but if my introductory to quilting was hand stitching, I doubt if I ever would have learned to quilt. I also think that a single stitch machine is all that is really needed for most jobs. Access to cheap machines are plentiful. If transportation is someone's problem, then shopgoodwill.com should do the trick. Also, simple machines are plentiful on that site. I have purchased a few and have had good luck. I also think if your aim is to teach making quilts, it's the fabric that's going to do you in if your on a serious budget. But of course, maybe it's just me. To me, the machine makes it the fun part.

NJ Quilter

Freecycle.org is also a great source for both fabric and machines. A local quilting friend of mine has gotten a boatload of very high quality quilting fabric from that sight including full kits/patterns. She has been generous enough to share some with me as well. I often also see sewing machines listed on that site as well. Granted, a younger student may need someone to take them to/from to pick up those items, it is very local and I'm sure they would be able to get someone to help them out.