I always have newbie quilters construct a Log Cabin. Even people who have never sewn before can do this and have a fantastic outcome.

I like to start kids on a split rail. Cutting strips WOF and sewing together teaches about the 'bowing' and using a rotary cutter (I tend to start newbies with 3" strips). The strips are easy to sew together, but long enough to work on accuracy. And it helps that when they cut the blocks out, suddenly they have everything ready to put together. I start them with a smallish throw and if they are doing good, I let them keep it growing. I think for a first quilt, while you want to teach basic skills, you want to give them the feeling of accomplishment sooner rather than later. It is also an easy top to quilt using a basic crosshatch pattern. And, finally, I let them do a machine stitched binding. I explain how to do a handstitched binding, but I let them wait to do that one until they are more comfortable with their skills. How wonderful that she wants to learn and that you are passing your skills on to the next group!

I love this pattern. If you scroll down, she has several examples. http://www.maryquilts.com/quick-strippie/

(May be repeat post, don't see my first one. I love this one. Scroll down and you'll several samples and a variation.
http://www.maryquilts.com/quick-strippie/

This is a nice pattern. Thanks.

If you want to keep the pattern mostly intact, I add my vote for warm wishes. It is easy and only a few seams to match.

I would suggest the warm wishes also. Easy and when done, looks much more complex that it really was. I love the way you can showcase a focus fabric too

That quick strippie quilt looks easy and great for something with a focus fabric!

Watson

You can't go wrong with a jelly roll race or the classic 10 inch blocks. Both were my kids first quilts and they had tons of fun. The blocks they especially loved cause the large size showcased fun kid prints.

I highly recommend EB's single irish chain quilt. it's a get it done for sure quilt. maybe in a lap or twin size.