This pattern from 1888 Weldon’s Practical Needlework, volume 1, can make afghan blocks or stripes: you choose the width and length. There’s only 11 stitches and 4 rows in the repeat and 3 of the rows are stockinette stitch! I added selvage stitches and a garter stitch border at the beginning and ending of the instructions to represent a stripe for an afghan.

Skills needed: long tail cast-on, knit, purl, slip, purl 2 together, yarn over, double yarn over and bind-off in knit stitch.

Gauge is not important in this pattern. Any block-able thread/yarn and any size needles will work. Make a swatch to check the look and width of your work.

6 yards of #10 crochet cotton will make about 12 rows (1 inch) of a 35-stitch-wide piece at 9 stitches/inch and 13 rows/inch.