I did a lot of try and see how it would work.
I am also mostly self-taught - I have learned of many variations of how-to from board members.
I will also admit that I am unwilling to try some things - even after hearing about how well they work out. (Glue basting, for example.)
I really wonder how those that have had no background at all with sewing manage to learn.
All the women around me as I grew up sewed - so it was just something one did - some better than others!