This is for you, Mom. :)
Pattern reading 101:
Skill Level √
Yarn type/weight √
Basic Stitches√
Chaining and how to count a Chain√
Skill Level:
Most patterns will tell you what level of skill you need to complete a project. Now skill level is tricky! There is no industry standard for level of skill. I always read through the list of stitches required to complete a project and decide if it is something I know already. If the main stitch is single crochet and it only has a few increases or decreases I would consider it to be Easy. It never hurts to challenge the mind, though. I do sometimes take on patterns I know will have me upset before I can complete them.
Yarn Type/Weight:
All patterns have a list of the yarn and yardage they used. Included is also the weight. You can substitute a yarn of similar likeness.
Example: If the pattern says:
Use 2 skein of Simply Soft in blue (315 yds) Medium/Worsted weight.
I know I can use any Worsted weight as long as I account for the yards needed. Always check your yardage! Another good idea is to always buy all the yarn needed to complete a project in advance. You don't want to run out of blue only to find out you cant find it anywhere!
Stitches:
Ch ChainST stitch
SC single crochet
HDC half double crochet
DC double crochet
ST slip stitch
sc2tog single crochet 2 together (one decrease) May change for stitches ie dc or hdc
sc2 in one stitch (one increase) may change for stitches ie dc or hdc
(THIS IS ASSUMING YOU KNOW HOW TO COMPLETE EACH STITCH)
Chains:
Ok, now we are ready to crochet! Lets say the pattern reads:
1 skein Red Hart Super Coral (364 yrd) Medium/Worsted
Size I hook
Gauge is not important. ( on a side not I never worry about the Gauge unless I am making a sweater, gauge is just how many stitches are in x amount of inches. You can alter the gauge by changing hook size or tension on the yarn.)
Row1: CH22
We are going to Chain 22
Row2: HDC in the 2nd st from the hook, HDC in each st across (21 sts)
We are going to half double crochet in the second chain from our hook and then half double crochet all the way to the last stitch.
Row3: CH1,turn,HDC across (21sts)
Row4-36: repeat Row3
Finish off and weave in all ends.
That is it... pretty simple. :)