Confirm the cloth and thread first
Use a regular open weave intended for counted Kogin work. Its visible mesh gives the chart a physical reference and helps the pattern keep its proportions.
Kogin thread and needles are generally fuller than fine sashiko materials. Test the pairing before counting a large field so the needle passes without damaging the weave.
Find the centre and repeat
Mark the chart centre and identify the smallest repeated unit. Count from a stable edge or centre rather than starting at an arbitrary place in the cloth.
Keep a quiet record of completed rows. A removable tick, paper marker or counted section can prevent the eye from losing its place when the motif becomes dense.
Correct a count before it spreads
If a motif stops looking symmetrical, pause and compare the cloth with the chart. One missed mesh is easier to correct near the start of a row than after several repeats have been added.
The finished surface should look intentional, but it should also sit comfortably on the fabric. Do not force the thread into a count the weave cannot support.