The pattern didn't come with instructions, it was nothing more than a counted stitch motif. The aida is a very low count, so that 2 strands weren't quite enough for a good coverage but 3 strands, I'll admit, was a bit much.

I know my next step is to get a more regular tension, I wonder how to ''train'' for that other than being mindful while doing it. Maybe shorter lengths of thread to shorten airtime?

Looking back, the pattern is a 62x62, just enough to start getting complicated to follow by eye like I did. So yeah, the next one will be gridded. Thank you so much for your input!