i don't understand the instructions :(

[pitzikat]

my instructions say:
beg withe a p row, work in St st for 16 rows decreasing one st at each end of 4th and every foll 4th row (4sts).

however, i am starting with 12 sts and i can not understand how these instruction bring me down to 4...
I think i'm loosing it.
help?

[suzeeq]

You forgot to underline "each end" because you decrease 2 stitches every 4th row over 16 rows. Starting with 12 sts and decreasing 4 times, 4x2= 8 sts, 12 - 8 = 4.

[pitzikat]

oooh... now i get it.
feel kinda foolish... lol!
thanks

[suzeeq]

Naw it happens a lot - each and every are 2 of the most overlooked words in knitting patterns.