Any advice for a total beginner, on how to learn quilt-making?

[buzzheath]

Total beginner in the sense that I do not even know how to sew, or a basic stitch. But I love looking at quilts online and would love to know how to make one!

Is this something I can genuinely learn alone? Any recommendations, that cover the absolute basics and go from there?

Hello yes you absolutely can. I started making clothes with a basic £100 Janone. With quilts you can 100% hand sew if you prefer. Loads of great advice on here https://www.reddit.com/r/quilting/s/asWxhG6L8g
I just use my fabric scissors to cut my pieces as couldn’t get on with a rotary cutter. For my first quilt I went for a cushion from an Elizabeth Hartman pattern. I don’t think this would be usually recommended for beginners but although it looks complicated the pattern is detailed as to step by step instructions so it worked out well. There are lots of free basic/ beginner patterns or ideas online

Try YouTube. They have lots of free tutorials on things. I just love a quilted bed spread.

If you want a structured course I've used Craftsy before and have generally found them good - they do super cheap introductory offers, just remember to cancel! For some of them you can post questions if you're stuck and the instructor will respond which can be helpful.

I have a friend who goes to meetings & events arranged by https://www.quiltersguild.org.uk 😀

I made my first quilt starting with an IKEA kids duvet cover, used a template to cut 6” squares and likely googled/used Pinterest for a tutorial. Learnt the basics of ‘stitching in the ditch’ and using a quilting foot.

You most certainly can learn the basics by yourself! I’d start by watching the Missouri Star Quilt Company tutorials on YouTube. Many of their designs can be downloaded free and you can use your own fabric.
Precut packages of 10” or 5” squares (known as layer cakes or charm packs) or 2,5 inch strips (jelly rolls) take the guesswork out of combining colours. And you can always use scraps and sheets.
My first patchwork was using DD’s baby clothes and I think I made every mistake possible (hyuuuuge 9-patches with 1cm seam allowance is one) but I love it as an heirloom I made it into a duvet cover when she moved into her first real bed. Since then I’ve made a quilt for each niece and nephew as they’ve left home and for several babies.
I only really like making the tops and put them into my UFO (unfinished objects) pile to back and bind when they’re ready to gift. I’ve also used quilt tops to make a jacket (v. fashionable), bags, picnic blankets with waterproof backing etc etc.
You don’t need a fancy sewing machine to start, just forward stitching. Cut with scissors if you like but a rotary cutter is more accurate. If you do get the quilting bug you can spend A LOT!