I can't for the life of me follow a written pattern either. I have to see up close photo's or a tute on YouTube. Visual learner here.

You are not alone. I read through all instructions before starting a project, highlight what I'm not sure of and then go back and break it down into what I understand it to be saying. I have a purse pattern that is driving me up a wall, either it is way beyond my abilities or the directions are badly written. I'll stick to it, but the way it is written you'd think it was the plans to make a space capsule instead of a purse.

There is a very easy tutorial for this pinwheel on Joan Doaks U-tube. I also helps to use graph paper and draw it out, that way there is no color to confuse you.

The instructions you gave out sounds confusing to me too. Maybe I just haven't had enough coffee this morning.

I am a visual learner and have found if I draw a color block, and write in what sizes I need to cut, it seems to help,

Mary

Sometimes I think it helps if you read one step at a time, and don't read ahead, this maybe where you are getting confused.

I have the same problem after quilting for 6 or 7 years now. I think bj on page 1 describes how I make notes on the pattern. I try to break it down into even more steps than the pattern designer a lot of times.

I read patterns several times before I start and then mark with my color choices. Even then sometimes it doesn't always turn out like they wanted! Hee, hee!

I have been quilting for 5 years and still struggle with reading most patterns. I find most really hard to follow. Partly my fault partly the patterns fault. I tend to try to skim the instructions which doesn't work. I am a visual person and need to see things. I have to read and reread and reread for most to make sense. Sometimes I sort of draw it out on paper. I alos write notes on my patterns. My sister has borrowed some of my patterns and she likes my notes. She is a new quilter. Good luck

I prefer to buy a book. I find they are easier to read and have better visual instuction.