Does it have to look the same on both sides? I'm doing a scarf right now that's turning out pretty nice.
Odd number of stitches.
First row, SC across, Ch1
Second row, (chain 1 stitch never counts as an actual stitch) sc, treble crochet, sc, until you get to the end, last stitch is always a sc, ch 1
Third row, SC across, etc. Basically, you just repeat the two rows. Easy to remember. On one side of the fabric, all the trebles stick out a bit, giving it a nubbly texture, on the other side they cause little dimples. If you're doing it right, the nubs/dimples stack up on top of each other. So simple, but in a heathered yarn, it's turning out so pretty.
The other pattern I like, which is reversible, is to alternate shells with straight stitches to form columns, if that makes sense.