I started crocheting when I was about 17 and I followed written patterns for that. I started quilting 14 years ago and have followed written patterns for that. I have discovered sometimes it's not you, it's the pattern. I have run across instructions that are so convoluted and complicated they simply make no sense. At least most quilt patterns have half decent pictures so you at least have a chance of figuring out what they meant.
After having rewritten and redesigned several patterns I tend to just design my own. It ends up being less work!! LOL