Every now and then, a sewing pattern comes along that’s so innovative and inspiring, it immediately jumps to the top of your project list. For me, Grasser No. 787 was exactly that kind of pattern.

What sets this vest apart is its clever construction—there are no traditional side seams. Instead, it features an adjustable D-ring and tie closure that wraps around the body. This design detail not only gives the vest a modern edge but also offers incredible layering potential. Whether worn over chunky knits, dresses, or even outerwear, the adjustable fit makes it endlessly versatile.

I had this pattern in my stash for a while, waiting for just the right fabric to bring it to life. That moment came when Polytex Stoffen released their Winter 2023 collection. One look at their quilted coating and I knew it was the one. This fabric feels luxurious—soft to the touch, double-sided quilting, and surprisingly easy to sew. It has just enough structure to feel current while being lightweight enough to compress, making it an ideal travel companion. The rich Pinecone shade and water-resistant outer shell sealed the deal: fashion meets function.

Let’s talk details.

The construction of this vest is straightforward, which makes it especially well-suited to quilted fabric. The front bodice is made by joining two panels along a center horizontal seam. Oversized patch pockets are constructed using both the main fabric and the lining, with the top edges folded into a clean, minimalist finish.

The vest is fully lined and assembled using a modified bagging method, turning it through a section of the back hem. This approach keeps the inside neat and professional without being overly complicated.

Other thoughtful features include a standing collar and a full-length zipper. One thing I really appreciate about Grasser Patterns is that they offer multiple height ranges—something you don’t often see. I went with the longest version, which required an 80 cm separating zipper. I chose a deep brown zipper with a bronze finish to complement the fabric and subtly highlight the zippered front. The collar and zipper come together to form a cozy funnel neck when zipped all the way up.

The standout element, of course, is the side closure. Each side ties with a belt secured through a set of D-rings. To reduce bulk, I added a few extra lines of topstitching down the center of each tie. This helped flatten the quilted layers and added a clean finish. I also shortened the ties by about 12 inches to better suit the length of the vest. The adjustable fastening allows you to loosen or tighten depending on what you’re wearing underneath—genius for layering.

While the pattern calls for the back to be cut in two pieces with a center seam, I opted to cut it on the fold instead. It was a simple tweak that gave the vest an even cleaner silhouette.

This piece has quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. It layers beautifully over just about anything—from blouses and sweaters to tailored blazers. Here, I’ve styled it over my Fibre Mood Josephine dress, and I love the added warmth without the bulk of a full coat. Whether you’re layering it for cold-weather walks or adding dimension to a casual outfit, this vest checks all the boxes.

So if you’re thinking of making the Grasser No. 787 or working with quilted coating from Polytex Stoffen—or better yet, both—you won’t regret it.

Because in the end… There is Sew Much to Design.