Moss is a relaxed, boxy vest designed to bring a little structure to your everyday layers. Finishing at the high hip with a high neckline and clean, simple shape, it's an easy piece to throw over everything from a crisp button-up to a favorite tee or lightweight sweater.
But what makes Moss especially fun to sew is how much room it leaves for interpretation. The simple silhouette becomes a canvas for playing with color, texture, and contrast. Pair complementary fabrics for a subtle mix of textures, use a bold contrast binding to emphasize the graphic lines of the vest, or choose a coordinating binding for a quieter, more refined look. You can even use quilted fabrics, denim, sherpa, or lightweight coatings to completely change the character of the finished piece.
Thoughtful construction details give Moss a polished finish. Double-fold binding neatly finishes the armholes, neckline, center front, and hem, while a lined patch pocket with a bound upper edge adds both function and visual interest. Choose snaps or buttons for the center front closure to put your own finishing touch on the design.
Whether you make Moss minimal and tonal or bold and unexpected, it's a versatile layering piece with plenty of opportunity for creative expression and a pattern you can return to with a completely new idea each time.
The Moss bonus variation gives this versatile vest a more playful twist. Instead of the button or snap closure, this variation features two ties at the center front, adding a soft, feminine detail to the clean, boxy silhouette.
All of the original design details remain the same, including the high neckline, bound edges, lined patch pocket, and relaxed silhouette. The result is a fresh take on Moss that feels a little more casual and expressive while keeping all the versatility of the original.
Pair it with your favorite tee, button-up, or sweater, and experiment with contrasting fabrics and binding to make this playful version uniquely your own.
Eden is wearing the Moss vest in a size 2. We added 1/2" to the body length. Her measurements are bust: 33 3/4" (85.7 cm), waist: 25 3/4" (65.4 cm), hip: 37 1/2" (95.3 cm), and she is 5'8" (172.7 cm) tall.
Morgan is wearing the Moss vest in a size 20. Her measurements are bust: 48" (122 cm), waist: 41" (104.1 cm), hip: 52" (132.1 cm), and she is 5'9" (175.3 cm) tall.
Fabric and Fit
Fabric Recommendations
Moss is designed to work across a surprisingly wide range of woven fabrics, making it a great pattern to experiment with. Medium weight fabrics such as denim, flannel, twill, canvas, suitings, linen, and linen blends can all create a lighterweight, crisp version of the Moss vest. For added texture and warmth, try quilted fabrics or lightweight coatings. A structured corduroy or twill can give Moss a utilitarian feel.
The lining is another opportunity to have a little fun. Choose lightweight to medium weight fabrics such as chambray, poplin, quilting cotton, flannel, lawn, shirting, silk lining, rayon lining, or synthetic lining. A contrasting lining can make the inside of Moss feel like a design detail of its own, while a coordinating fabric creates a more subtle finish.
And don't forget the binding! A contrasting binding can emphasize the clean geometry of the vest and create a bold graphic effect, while matching binding lets the silhouette and fabric take center stage.
Fitting Tips
Moss has a relaxed, straight fit through the body, making it a relatively straightforward garment to fit. Because Moss is designed as a layering piece, you'll also want to consider what you'll typically wear underneath it when choosing your size. If you plan to layer it over a heavier sweater or sweatshirt, compare the finished garment measurements and consider the amount of ease you'll want.
For more guidance, check out our tutorials on adjusting garment length, working with ease, and sewing clean bound edges.
- Understanding ease will help you pick the right size or sizes. This tutorial will teach you all about design and wearing ease.
- Follow this tutorial to lengthen and shorten a sewing pattern.
- If you need to adjust the armhole depth, use this tutorial.
- If you want to blend between sizes, use this video tutorial.
- To adjust the shoulder slope, follow this tutorial.
- Here are fitting tutorials for the shoulders and sleeves.
- Here are tutorials for wide or narrow shoulder adjustments.
- Here are tutorials for small bust adjustments and full bust adjustments.
