Find the repeat and the working area
Look for the smallest unit that repeats across the design. Mark the edges of the cloth, the centre line and any places where the pattern is intentionally cropped so the motif does not drift as you work.
If the pattern is printed, check whether the lines are a stitch guide, a cutting guide or both. Do not assume every faint line is meant to be stitched.
Plan the order of the lines
Long straight runs are often easier to work before small turns and crossings. A sensible order reduces unnecessary jumps on the reverse and lets you keep the cloth supported in your hand.
For a counted grid, confirm the count at a quiet edge before moving into the centre. One missed row can change the alignment of every later motif.
Practise the difficult junction
Corners, crossings and changes of direction deserve a short sample. Decide where a line will end, how much space it needs and whether the stitch should pass over or stop beside another line.
A pattern is a guide, not a demand to pull the fabric into shape. If the printed scale does not suit the cloth or thread, adjust the material pairing before forcing the stitch to fit.