Oh, how we learn by trial. Sounds like you came to an excellent solution.
Can't remember a particular instance, but there are many instances when sewing that I said the heck with instructions and found a better, easier way.
Today trying to help DH get ready for the snow coming in tonight meant he had to get the snow blower out of the shed and into the garage. He had stored the rubber lawn waste garage cans in the garage and I figured I would get them out and into the garden shed all the way across the lawn. Just a little too heavy to pick up right now so I employed my trusty cane. Not the fastest but the job got done.