Actually, the directions for knitting and crocheting are like learning another language. When I first got sick, I couldn't read patterns in a language I had known since I was 14.
I could remember simple patterns, but couldn't read new ones. I still have days like that, but thankfully, not as many or so close together!
From that other language:
Cast on multiple of 4 + 2
row 1 :sl 1 *k1 p1 k2tog yo. Repeat from * until next to last stitch. End in a k1
Row 2: sl 1, p across.
Row 3: sl 1, k across.
Row 4: sl 1, p across
Repeat these 4 rows for desired length.
(used to be called the shawl stitch. Needs a border, or else it will be roly poly. Rows 2-4 can be done all in K or P and it won't be roly-poly. Works well for scarves that need to be lacy.
My favorite afghan pattern: (in another arcane language)
Chain as long as you want it wide.
row 1: sc across
row 2: hdc across
row 3: dc across
row 4: hdc across
Repeat these 4 rows, changing colors as suits your fancy, until it's as long as you like it.
row 1: