Advice when reading crossed letters?

[Liam59]

I am trying to read some crossed letters i.e. letters that have writing one way and then continue at right angles over the top.  I'm finding most of them too difficult to read because one set of writing is on top of the other as well as in two directions.  Does anyone have advice that might help me please? 

[Zefiro]

I've done letters like that in the past, with the ink from the back side of the paper interfering as added bonus. I can only offer one little tip: Cover all text above and under the line you want to read. That way your eyes won't get distracted by the vertical writing. This should help you focus on the only line that does matter at that time.
If it proves too difficult, post it here.

[Jebber]

I have transcribed some letters written three ways, once as normal then written over at right angles then a third diagonally.  I did it in the same way Zefiro has suggested, after a while it becomes easier.

[Liam59]

Thank you Zefiro and Jebber. This is very helpful. I've tried looking at one line doing as you suggest and it makes it much easier to focus.  I'll now try this for the rest. Thanks again.

[Jebber]

I meant to add that if the writing is small, as it often was, a magnifier can also help.