Please help! decreasing on poncho

I am making a beautiful sweater (poncho) …I am confused!!

this is what it says…

Now start to shape side seams as folls:
Keeping pattern correct and working all decreases as set by last round (and changing on to double pointed needles when required) dec 1 st at each side of both markers (4 sts decreased on each dec round) [B] on 4th and foll 4th round, then on foll 8 alt rounds, then on foll 13 rounds: 38 [42: 46] sts[/B] I don’t understand what is in bold :frowning:

Hope someone can help me as its a Christmas gift and I want to have it done in time :):)):):slight_smile:

Thank you

Welcome to the forum!
These can be really confusing directions. Decrease first on round 4 and then on round 8. The 8 alt rounds are rounds 10,12,14,16,18,20,22, and 24. Then dec every round 13 times so rounds 25,26,27,28,29,etc until you reach the given number of sts.
Lovely Christmas gift, I’m sure. Enjoy!

I wish I could give you a hug!!! Thank you so so much :slight_smile: