I developed an afghan strip from a stitch pattern in 1870 Mrs. Beeton’s Guide to Embroidery, Crochet and Knitting. She calls it “Knitted Quilt” but the pattern looks like willow leaves to me. It’s quite easy to work despite the 28 pattern rows. The last 14 rows repeat the first 14 rows, just shifted over 2 stitches. All the wrong-side rows are simply: slip the first stitch, then knit and purl. For wider strips, add a multiple of 4 stitches. Mrs. Beeton suggests alternating gray and red strips but you choose the color(s) you like best.
Skills needed: cast on, knit, purl, slip, yarn over, knit 2 together and bind off in knit stitch.

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

15 yards of Lion brand’s “Oh Baby organic” yarn will make about 30 rows (3 inches) in the stated gauge with a 20-stitch width.