I would use different colored highlighters in order to keep things straight. Highlight the different symbols in different colors to make each one stand out. It is time consuming but it works.

I can't figure out how to reply to a reply but this is for Nettie. The pattern is color-coded but the problem is the four of the symbols and the colors on the pattern are too similar. There are two x's, one for full cross-stitch and one for half-cross stitch. The colors on the pattern itself are so similar I can't tell which one to use. The same goes with two symbols for a green color.