I tried this method a while ago and found that I didnt like it. But now I see that I was doing it all wrong. Im going to try railroading the way youve shown. Right now I am using a make shift laying tool. Its just a very long needle, about 6 inches with a blunt tip. The railroading method seems much easier and faster.
Im so glad Im reading this thread. After every few crosses Ive made, Ill let the strands spin but despite that, Ill land up with one strand shorter than the other. Will definitely give this railroading method a try.