I have my own "rules" and often re-write directions to suit me LOL. I like the 2nd option to cut in to rows, then subcut to squares. One reason is that if I have a long length of yardage, it quickly gives me an idea of how much to cut off first to make it easier to handle. I also prefer directions to be in list or bullet format, not paragraph. I like to check off as I go along, since I often get interrupted.