If he has any internet access at all, YouTube videos. I swear, YT videos will help. There are people who demonstrate both right and lefthanded. Also, you're in luck
I am pretty proficient in crocheting
All patterns have a front and a back loop to a stitch. If the pattern does not specify front or back loop, then it is assumed to be both loops used in the stitch.
FLO - Front Loop Only
BLO - Back Loop Only
Single crochet (SC) - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops now on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.
Half-double crochet (HDC) - Yarn over the hook, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (should be 3 loops now on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
Double crochet (DC) - Yarn over the hook, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (should be 3 loops now on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops.
Treble crochet (or triple crochet) (TRC) - Yarn over the hook two times, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (should be 4 loops now on hook), yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through final 2 loops.
Double treble crochet (DTRC or DTC) - Yarn over three times, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over pull through final 2 loops.
Slip stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through the loops AND the loop on the hook.
(If you continue to look up information, make sure its American terms. UK crochet terms, everything is moved up one, so a slip stitch is a single crochet, a single is a double, etc...)
Pretty much any other "stitch" or pattern is a variation using these building blocks. If you can make these stitches, you can generally make almost any pattern in crochet. Any specialty stitch such as clusters or popcorn stitches are usually given in the pattern itself.
An example of a cluster stitch would be:
Cluster of 3: *Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, - repeat from * two more times in same stitch - yarn over, pull through all remaining loops on the hook (4 total).
Oh and one more thing - if you can get a copy of Crochet Today, it usually has a description of beginner crochet stuff in the back. You should be able to find one at your area bookstore and if I didn't subscribe, I can pick it up a copy (before they're sold out) at Walmart's magazine section.
