The guild I belong too sponsors free beginner quilting classes periodically and one thing they do that seems to be a BIG hit is for the first lesson everyone meets at the LQS, they get a tour & can actually 'see' the materials & tools they'll need for the class. Most of them even buy the things they need while at the LQS so they are ready to go at the next lesson. The intermediate classes teach quilting techniques by hand & machine. Our guild also has a room at a local church dedicated to charity quilting and is equipped with machines, fabric, tools, everything needed for quilting.

I teach the Disappearing Nine Patch to new quilters. It starts out with simple piecing, teaches accurate cutting, seams and matching "corners". A table runner or small throw can be done in just a couple of 4 hour sessions with the blocks done as "homework".