If you go to craftsy I beleive they have a free class for sewing machine use and a free class for begginers.

Craftsy has a free class on sewing machines and a free class for begginers. Maybe she could watch those and learn the basics. I dont have links and am not affiliated with them. I would start with lap quilt or tabble runner.

I have taught a few ladies how to quilt and always start them off with a rail fence... It's a good beginner pattern!

There are lots of patterns with just squares or rectangles or both. Look around!

google "quilts made of just squares". You'll find lots of patterns. Some triangles slipped in the list, but just ignore them.

When I was learning, my teacher said to start with a simple log cabin. I learned from Eleanor Burns book. Quite easy.

I used to teach children to sew and quilt. Most had no experience with sewing or running a machine. We started with making scrunchies until they could sew a straight seam. Then we made a pillowcase and a fat quarter apron. Then we learned how to cut and sub cut fabric into squares using a rotary cutter and mat. You would be amazed at the masterpieces those little girls (9 to 15 years of age) made. I think it was because we started small and built their confidence through success.

Turning Twenty is a good pattern for beginners. So is Yellow Brick Road.

I started with a log cabin and it was really good to teach me about 1/4 inch seams and I've been quilting since

I think a 3 rail fence. Easy to square up, quick & no seams to match. Making the strips gives lots of practice for straight seams too & getting used to the sewing machine