Basics of Crocheting (left-handed)

If you are just learning to crochet it can be terribly confusing, especially if you're left-handed. As someone who taught themselves through trial and error, I thought it would be useful to explain some of the basic stitches and concepts.

For practicing stitches:
Yarn
Crochet hook

For a pattern:
Yarn
Crochet hook
Yarn needle (I prefer these wool needles with the soft loop)
Scissors
Stitch markers
Pattern

To make a slip knot, make a loop around your fingers and pull the end through, leaving a tail.

You will make a chain. Some patterns refer to this as row 1, row 0 or they just tell you the number of chains you need to make.
Putting your crochet hook into the slip knot, you yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through, until you have the number of chains that you want.

Starting in the second chain from your hook (otherwise you will undo your chain) you will put your hook through the second chain, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.

The half double crochet is a slightly taller stitch that can be used on it's own or as a transition between single crochet stitches and double crochet stitches.

You will yarn over, place your hook through the 3rd chain from the hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over and then pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

A double crochet stitch is a little taller and can be used to add different textures to your work. It also makes your project work up a lot quicker.

For it you will yarn over, put your hook through the fourth chain from your hook, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on your hook, leaving you with 2 loops, put your hook back through the same chain, yarn over, pull through the last 2 loops on your hook.

The treble or triple crochet stitch is an even taller stitch.
You will yarn over your hook twice, place your hook in the 5th chain from the hook, yarn over, pull through (with four loops on your hook) yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops.

Most patterns will have a key for the abbreviations that they use. Many will even have links or instructions if they use stitches that aren't common.
Here are some of the most common:
Sc- single crochet
Dc- double crochet
Hdc- half double crochet
Tr- triple/treble crochet
Sl st- slip stitch
Inc- increase
Dec- decrease
Turn- turn/flip your work
Ch- make a chain before going on to next stitch
F/o- finish off
BLO- back loop only
FLO-front loop only
Of course there are many variations, and other stitches, but these are the basics. I hope this was helpful.
Happy crocheting!