How do you find it easier to understand new things?

I am a little bit of both, I will read first and then just test it out in various ways on my own. Sometimes the latter helps me find ways that aren't even mentioned in the things that I have been given to read.

I have yet to read any instructional books so trial and error, it's more fun anyway.

Trial and error for me

I've learned a lot by trial and error, but I'll occasionally watch a video or two (the Two Knotty Boys have a few free instructional videos online that have given me some great ideas for new ties). If I'm not going to be trying it out myself, I'd rather see the process in motion than rely on text and still images.

So the question is about styles of learning. (This thread topic...is a little garbled.)

Trail and error usually