Originally inspired by a vintage 1970s design, this updated version uses modern yarns in gentle pastel shades of blush pink, butter yellow, and mint. The fit is loose and forgiving, so it’s ideal as a “one-size-fits-most” project — and a wonderful handmade gift for someone special.
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What you need
Yarn: Approx. 21 oz (600 g) of worsted-weight yarn in your main color (MC) – blush pink or any soft neutral.
Add 2 oz (60 g) each of three contrasting pastel shades (e.g. mint, butter yellow, and peach) for the stripes.
Needles: Size 8 US (5 mm) circular knitting needle, 20–24″ long.
Accessories:
5 stitch holders (one 10″, two 5″, and two small safety-pin style holders).
Yarn needle for sewing seams.
Gauge: 4 stitches = 1″ and 5 rows = 1″.
Instructions
Pattern Notes
This robe is worked flat in sections and seamed together at the shoulders and yoke.
Keep the 8 stitches at each side in garter stitch throughout to form clean front edges.
Stripe sections are optional – have fun with color combinations to match your mood!
Instructions
BODY
With main color, cast on 180 sts.
Do not join. Work back and forth in garter stitch (knit every row) for 10 rows.
These will form the lower border.
Continue with this setup throughout:
- The first and last 8 sts of every row = garter stitch (border).
- All other sts = stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row).
Work 6 rows of stockinette, ending with a purl row.
STRIPED SECTION (HEM)
- Stripe 1 (Mint): Join mint yarn. Work 8 rows stockinette, keeping borders in garter.
- 2 rows MC (Blush Pink)
- Stripe 2 (Butter Yellow): Work 8 rows.
- 2 rows MC.
- Stripe 3 (Peach): Work 8 rows.
- Return to MC and continue in stockinette until piece measures 14 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a purl row.
NECK SHAPING
Next row (RS):
Work 8 border sts, K1, sl1, K1, psso (right neck dec), K to last 3 sts before border, K2tog, K1, then work 8 border sts.
Continue decreasing 1 st each side every 3rd row, 12 more times (154 sts remain).
End with a purl row.
Place stitches as follows:
- Right border (8 sts) on holder
- Right front (30 sts) on holder
- Back (78 sts) on large holder
- Left front (30 sts) on holder
- Left border (8 sts) on holder
SLEEVES
With MC, cast on 90 sts.
Work 10 rows garter stitch, then 6 rows stockinette, ending with a purl row.
Add stripes to match the hem pattern:
- Mint Stripe: 8 rows
- 2 rows MC
- Butter Yellow Stripe: 8 rows, decreasing 5 sts evenly across the last row (85 sts)
- 2 rows MC
- Peach Stripe: 8 rows, decreasing 5 sts evenly (80 sts total)
Continue in stockinette until sleeve measures 16 inches or desired length.
End with a purl row.
YOKE AND JOINING
Fold the robe body in half so the fronts meet over the back at the underarm point.
Replace the left front and back stitches onto the needle, aligning under the arm.
Row 1 (RS): Slip 1 st from back holder to the needle. K that st together with the first st from left front holder, then knit across all sts to the end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl the first st from front holder together with the next st from the back holder. Purl across to the end.
Continue in this manner, joining the front and back sections for 4 inches, ending with a purl row.
NECK & SHOULDER SHAPING
Left Front Yoke:
K across 40 sts, bind off center 28 sts, then K remaining 12 sts.
Work decreases (P2tog or K2tog at edges) every other row until 1 st remains. Bind off.
Back Neck:
Rejoin yarn and purl across 40 sts.
Work 11″ in stockinette. Bind off.
Right Front Yoke:
Cast on 2 sts. Work joining rows as on left yoke until all stitches are joined and yoke measures about 4 inches.
FINISHING TOUCHES
- Sew sleeve seams neatly.
- Attach sleeves to armholes.
- Weave in all yarn ends.
- Lightly block the robe to even out stitches and shape the front edges.
Optional: Add belt loops at side seams to hold the tie in place.
Care Tips
Wash gently by hand in cool water with a mild wool wash. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then reshape and dry flat.
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