When I do my projects I make 2 copies of the pattern. I tape one copy together and hang it on my design wall. The other copy I put on my clipboard to use for my stitching and marking on as I stitch. For very large projects like the 16 page one I am doing now I start in the upper left hand corner 3 inches in from the top and side and work each page in order. This is what works well for me after being a stitcher for over 30 years. Be sure when you get your fabric you add 3 inches on each side and the top and bottom for framing. I know some people add 2 inches but for me that is too small. Adding 6 inches to the width and 6 inches to the height is just right for me. Look forward to hearing more about your project. Good luck.

I agree with Syagel completely. I do my LARGE projects, upper left corner with 3 inches extra each side of fabric for framing project when completed. I also make copies off the original pattern to work from when I am stitching.
I would also like to add to make certain you make at least 3 COPIES of your symbol/floss key! Just this past week, I found by folding and refolding my original symbol/floss Key pages, that the ink was wearing off the pages and I couldn't see what the symbols were. When I went back to my ORIGINAL symbol/floss key to make a copy, I discovered I was using the original and I had not made copies!
I was able to rectify this from the kindness of a cross stitch website sending me another symbol/floss key and was able to put the new "orginal" away after making 4 copies (one as original, 3 as "copies" to work off of.)

Bermuda and syagel - thank you for all the advice you have given me regarding "Lying in Wait". I am very anxious to get started on it. I feel more comfortable now knowing I should start at the top left corner and work across the top first. I am new to this chat room and thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you again - cheryl

I did Lying in Wait - took 'Best in Show' at our local Fall Fair last yr. But, I started in the center, unlike the rest of you. I learned that way, have always done it that way, & I've been stitching for about 25 yrs.

I'm with 'dewabby' -- I always start in the middle with my projects. Actually, I learned to stitch from right to left not left to right so, if I were to start in a corner, it would be the upper right corner. Don't suppose it actually makes much difference as long as you leave the 3" margin for framing. Have been doing it that direction for the past 50+ years. Don't remember who taught me - my grandmother, I think.

The main guideline with cross-stitching is to do what feels comfortable for you.

Hi. I always start in the middle unless the pattern requires you start somewhere else. It will tell you specifically where to start if it's not in the middle. Hope that helps. Good luck with the project.

I am doing Monet Water Lilies which is 15 pages, and I have started in the upper left and working across the pages. Kits I have always started in the middle, but I think the large ones are easier following the pages in order.

For me, it depends on the pattern. If it is an 'overall' pattern, then I start in the upper left hand corner. If I was left handed, it would be started in the upper right hand corner. The reasoning behind that, is by being right handed, & I start in the upper right hand corner, as I move to the left, I would be dragging my hand over the completed stitching. So I start in the top left & move down & to the right. I hope this makes sense.
I also make copies of my patterns, & color charts, & trim & tape them together.

I start left hand corner I always make larger copies to mark as I go however I do not tape them together I find this too awkward for me. A good suggestion about taping one and putting on a wall