Despite crochet’s unfortunate reputation as a skill reserved for grandmas and the like, learning it comes with benefits for all of us. Knowing crochet lets you make personalized items for cheap; especially with the holiday season approaching, the skill can help you whip up a few presents such as homemade hats, scarves or ear warmers for friends and family in no time.

Click through the slides and scroll through the GIFs to learn how to do the single crochet, a basic stitch that you can build off of as you progress through the world of crochet. When you feel like you’ve got the hang of the stitch, you can put it to use and make a simple ear warmer.

Before you begin, you will need some yarn and a crochet hook, which can be found for a few dollars at most craft stores. The sizes for each will depend on the kind of project you’re doing. Medium-weight, or a size “four,” is the most commonly used yarn weight and is usually paired with a size “H8” or 5mm size crochet hook. If you’re planning to use a different sized hook or yarn, make sure the other corresponds. For example, the thicker the yarn, the bigger the crochet hook should be, and vice versa. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to begin.