Some patterns are well written and well illustrated.
They are comparatively easy to follow.
Some patterns are poorly written, the illustrations don't match the words, plus there are mistakes - such as wrong yardage requirements, wrong dimensions of pieces, the templates are badly drawn, etc etc.
Then it is the pattern that is the problem, not the reader.
It does help to read through the whole pattern before starting the project -
But I'm not sure how a beginner would "know" something is "off" - - -
There still is no substitute for experience.
I know this isn't much help - but maybe knowing you are not alone may be of some comfort????