The written instructions tell the knitter what to do on those specific rows of the chart (that are marked with an asterisk). The chart shows the complete pattern.

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Soirée Cowl - Tanis Gray
Easy
• Bottom up
• Worked in the round
• Lace and cables
• Shifting rounds
Yarn Weight 5
Finished Size 44 ½ “ circumference and 12” tall.
Yarn O-Wool Chunky Merino (100% certified organic merino; 166 yd 152 m/31/2 oz 100 g): alumroot, 3 skeins.
Needles Sizes 9 (5.5 mm) and 10 (6 mm): 32” circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Marker (m); cable needle (cn); tapestry needle.
Gauge 14 sts and 22 rnds = 4” in charted patt on larger needle.