Where are your stitches placed? I read a tip from (I think) Ginnie Thompson on placing the stitches. I dont remember if you were to come up in a hole where the vertical thread of the fabric is on top of the horizontal thread or where the vertical thread is under the horizontal thread. I think it makes a difference in your floss slipping under the threads of the fabric and distortion of the linen fabric. If you know where your needle is coming up, you can check to see that you are consistent every so often so that you can maybe find errors in counting sooner.
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I think I would prefer having my needle come up in a hole where the horizontal thread is under the vertical... But I dont think it would make too much of a difference which way you started as long as you remember to make sure you didnt mis-count...
I may be wrong but I dont think it matters too much, when stitching over two threads of linen, as long as you are consistent.
If you are stitching one over one, then that is different because the floss can slip behind the linen thread. If that happens to me I just unpick and use the opposite way of coming up and going down when doing the first part of the stitch. Ive learnt by trial and error, perhaps there is a tutorial out there on this.
Ive heard this described as the first stitch "leaning against the post." The post being the vertical thread underneath. That helps me remember. I believe if the stitches are not placed this way, the linen can be pulled and distorted.
I didnt find where the site discussed where to place the stitch. The example of the half crosses has the thread coming up where the vertical thread is on top. The example of the completed crosses has the thread coming up where the vertical thread is on the bottom. I am still wonder where to place the first stitch.
I finally found this explanation and larger diagram that I can understand at needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/counted-cross-stitch .html
Evenweave fabric is woven in an over/under method. If you look at the vertical threads some go over the horizontal ones and some lay below. It is best to start your stitch beside an "over" thread. This helps to keep the stitch from slipping underneath. The saying goes "a pictures worth a thousand words" so check my diagram below if this is not clear.
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