A: To work Dec 1 each end of next and every following alt row 4 (5-6-7-5-7) times. 56 (60-64-66-68-70) sts means that depending on the size you are making, you will decrease on both sides of the row, every other row, the number of times specified for your size. When you are done, you should have the number of stitches shown at the end for the size you are making. I tend to work k1, k2tog, k to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1 as a decrease row when a pattern does not specify which decrease to work. But you can work the decreases at each end in whatever manner you choose. I hope this helps you understand this instruction for your Cozy Cable Hooded