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

Yes. Searching for tutorials may help you. I will often re-write the directions if I find them confusing or hard to follow. I work better with a bulleted list, rather than a paragraph. I get a lot of interruptions and it's easier to pick up where I left off this way.

I also perfer to have all of the cutting done up front and pick apart the directions to make a list of all of the cutting, rather than cut some, start sewing, cut more.

It will get easier. It is an excellent idea to make a practice block. That makes you a good quilter.

I've been quilting for 9 years. I think some pattern makers are better at directions than others. You'll learn which ones to stay away from. I have a Leisure Arts book I've made lots of notes in because it didn't specify to trim the blocks down to 4.5".

The Bow Tucks purse pattern was one for me! It took me forever to understand what I was supposed to do. Now they're easy for me. Some pattern manufacturers write terrible patterns so it's not always you. And that's nothing against Lazy Girls, their directions for the Bow Tuck was fine, I just didn't get it :(

Hang in there!

I can relate to what you wrote in your statement. I've got quilt book, with patterns, I would like to make. But when I get ready to read or get to cutting, everything, seems to fall in a hole. I have better luck with templates, and telling what templates to use.

Everyone learns in one of three ways, or a combination of the three.....aural (hearing), visual (by seeing) or kinesthetic (by touch and feel)...that is why maybe reading a pattern or book is not always the best way for you to "see" it. Videos may help in this case. Or, as you are doing, building a block first (that's kinesthetic learning, by the way :)). Keep working at it, you will find a source, or teacher, or friend who "teaches" just like you learn.:thumbup:

Jan in VA

Youtube videos save us all. Most times I have to make the project as I read the instructions. My daughter has taught herself to crochet watching youtube videos. She can not follow written instructions at all.

I have been "pattern stumped" twice and just wrote the pattern designer with the questions. One designer, Marsha Anderson of High Street Designs, got right back to me with the information that clarified everything. I was also working on an Indygo Junction pattern and one of the staff and I traded emails three times resulting in a great purse.