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.