Crochet uses a single hook and a handful of basic stitches. Master the chain and a couple of stitches and you can make scarves, blankets, and amigurumi.
What you need
Grab a smooth worsted-weight yarn and a 5 mm (H-8) hook. A light, solid color makes the stitches easy to count as you go.
The first stitches
Begin with a slip knot and a foundation chain, then learn the single crochet and double crochet. The slip stitch joins and finishes. These few stitches cover most beginner patterns.
Count every row. It is easy to add or drop stitches at the ends of rows. Count your stitches each row early on, so a project stays the same width.
See the Crochet Gauge Calculator and the Crochet Hook Size Chart.