I had my two grandchildren make log cabin square pot holders cause there mom said she needed more trivets or hot pads to set hot pots and pans on. I had many strips of all cotton different colors 1 1/2'' already cut in a basket and they picked out what they wanted started in. They are 8 and 11 now but both grew up on my lap while I was sewing garments for them and for a childrens center. To this day they will come over and help make lounge pants and doll blankets etc for the little kids at the centers. They can now free motion quilt much better than I can. Of course they don't tense up worrying they will ruin something. I have 2 machines so they can work at the same time. It is so much fun! Enjoy.

Suzy

After she has mastered what the machine does and how it works and how you keep your hands away from the needle, then let her sew blocks together and make a small quilt and teach her how to hand quilt it.... I did that with the girls next door, they were 9 and 15 at the time..

All good advice. Also have her sew with an unthreaded machine on lined paper to practice sewing straight seams.

Pot holders are a great start too. Nine patch is good to start with strip quilting thrown in. Make theme pot holders. They love them.

Funny how we all want to stare at the needle... I tell the students at school that the needle isn't going to move so no need to look at it...look at the fabric and the seam...then it becomes a piece of cake..

Strip is an excellent idea ! gives her the feel of the machine, how to keep it in line, etc. but she still will have something concrete to show for her time.
remember you can place another square the same size on top RST. mark a diagonal line so you are going across the stripes. sew 1/4" each side of this line. cut on line.
Presto !! you have two blocks.

I have been working with both of my granddaughters. I bought them both machines. I started by cutting them squares and let them practice sewing them together, just to get the feel of sewing and trying to make consistant 1/4 inch machines. I used my new accuquilt cutter to cut out squares and my younghest one (she's in 2nd grade) sewed them together to make an apron. The pattern came in a book of patterns that came with the accuquilt cutter. She really did a good job, first sewing two squares together and then putting the pairs together. When it came to putting the strips of squares together, I pinned them for her, but she sewed them together. I cut and pressed the ties and neck ties and she sewed a fancy stitch that came with her machine. I cut her a lining and pinned it together with the ties inserted and she sewed it around the edges. I sat by her on this last step of sewing, helping her to turn around the curves. I cut out some Christmas items with fusing on the back for the green side and some girly items for the lining side, we decided how to place them and I ironed them on. It's fun teaching them to sew, it's a lost cause at them learning in school, so we must pass on this knowledge. Have fun!

I taught my GD to sew at about 7. First we sat side by side. She was not allowed to rotary cut because I was fond of her body parts. She did pick the patterns and we sized them for her American Girl 18" dolls. Once she got the 1/4" seam she was off. It wasn't long before she was all by herself. I peeked in from the doorway. If something happened out of the ordinary she was quick to call me. So we just kept getting harder on the projects. Now she likes to design her Halloween costume and allow me to help!

What are Charm squares?

What are charm squares?

I suggest Paper piecing. SO EASY and all straight sewing. for the most part forgiving if not exactly on the lines. Have fun!! Diane

How about an apron from a bath towel, like I did in 7th grade Home Ec! A pillow case is also a great starter or a small 9-patch lap quilt! What a joy, if 10 year old has an interest!

My 11 yr. old granddaughter is working on her 2nd kit. She is learning about cutting and measuring and most important - reading and following instructions. They have some fairly inexpensive kits at JoAnn's.

AS a retired 4-H leader all the suggestions above are great. Just take it slow and let her learn at her own pace. Nothing complicated or she will get overwhelmed and discouraged. Good luck and have fun. I hope she enjoys the sewing experience.

Doll quilt is my suggestion.

Aprons are a great first project, also pillowcases and bigger 4-patch or 9-patch blocks.....I like to teach with a t least 5" squares, 6" is better! Or you can make a charm quilt with 10" squares---very easy!

I was thinking about this thread today as I was preparing my next project to teach.
This is the way I teach, no matter the age, if they have never sewn before.
I start with a lined tote bag with an outside pocket. That way they have something to put their supplies in that they bring to class.
The second project is a set of pillow cases with the innner boarder and a cuff.
And the last project before choosing their own projects is 4 squares of string piecing that we turn in to a pillow.
This helps me determine their sewing skills and more important how they follow directions/instructions.

You sound like a great teacher, Olivia's Grammy.

My 6 year old daughter and myself made a small flanel rag quilt for her baby cousin. The mother said that it was here favorite quilt.

I'm helping my 10yr old GD learn to quilt also. I found this book at a LQS Pat Sloan's "I Can't Beleive I'm Sewing"
It has a section on using a sewing machine, buying fabrics, thread and notions, the basics of sewing plus 18 easy to a little more difficult projects. I'm giving it to her for Christmas plus some fat quarters so she can make some of the easy projects quickly as we try to finish her first quilt. Merry Christmas to you and your granddaughter.

My kid's first projects on my sewing machine were beanbags. Boys love to make beanbags!

The first thing is have her use an emty needle and follow the lines on notebook paper to practice sewing straigt. I know they won't like doing that for a long time but you know what piano teachers make you do first and everytime you warm up.

Don't look at my spelling

Tote bags or snap purses. My 9 and 11 y/o grands made those this fall. Even boys can use both, we just don't call it a purse....LOL! His is a gadget bag and has a wrist strap.

This is how I teach..."watch one, do one, teach one". Really reinforces the learning and quickly. (Have the student make believe they are the teacher and you are the student.)