Stitching my Path at Moss: with Izzy McCormack
Izzy McCormack’s Journey at Moss UK
Meet Izzy, or as her colleagues call her ‘Izzy Stitch’! Starting in bridal-wear and now Deputy Shift Senior in our stitching department, Izzy’s journey is a powerful example of how talent, trust and opportunity can shape a thriving career in print.
“In 2018 when I joined MacroArt, now of course Moss, I had no idea how much my role would evolve. Seven years later, I’m Deputy Shift Senior in the stitching department, helping to run the team, allocate work and fine-tune the details that make each project special. From large-scale exhibition graphics to intricate custom finishes, I love the challenge of creating something unique every day.
From Bridal-Wear to Banners
My background in bridal-wear gave me an eye for detail, and when I first started, I was so precise and sewing at a snail’s pace! Over time, I’ve learned to trust myself more, but precision is still key, especially for zips and hems. My skills even come in handy outside of work – fixing bags, tailoring dresses and adjusting shirts for colleagues has earned me the nickname “Izzy Stitch”!
Over the years at Moss, my work has changed dramatically. Everything is bigger and more complex, with more custom finishes like zips, flags and seamless joins. Sustainability has also become a key focus, with recycled materials replacing heavy PVCs.
Stitching Sustainability into Every Print
At Moss, we’ve introduced a wide range of sustainable materials from our Sustaina OceanTex fabrics made of recycled ocean plastics to lightweight, reusable textiles that maintain the highest quality while reducing environmental impact. It’s great to see the industry moving in the right direction, yet sustainability isn’t just about the materials we use – it’s about how we use them and that has really developed at Moss.
For example, cut-offs from our stitching department are repurposed into collection bags for recycling, ensuring that as little as possible goes to waste and that even our offcuts serve a useful purpose. It’s a small change, but when implemented across the business, it all helps make a big impact. We’ve also started tracking our material usage and waste reduction across different departments, allowing us to measure our sustainability progress more effectively.
Finding my Voice: Sharing my Story
Beyond my day-to-day role in stitching, I’ve had the chance to represent Moss at careers fairs and on panels, such as Sign & Digital UK, discussing the role of women in production. Public speaking was nerve-wracking, but it was a fantastic experience. It also tied into the wider conversation about sustainability, as I was able to share how we’re making real changes at Moss – not just in our materials, but in the way we work. It was inspiring to see so many people engaged in the topic, from students looking for a way into the industry to experienced professionals sharing their own sustainability journeys. Seeing their enthusiasm made me realise just how much of an impact we can have when we share what we’ve learned. One of the most rewarding moments was speaking to young women considering a career in print and seeing their excitement and curiosity made me even more passionate about encouraging diversity in the industry.
More importantly, I had the chance to inspire others. I never expected to be in a position where I could help encourage people to take a chance on a new career path, but being on that panel and speaking to young people at career fairs has shown me just how important it is to share our stories.
Looking Ahead: A Career Still Growing
I love what I do and the trust Moss has in me. The support I’ve had has made all the difference, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing. Every step of my journey has shown me that skills can evolve in unexpected ways – whether it’s gaining new skills, speaking on a panel or inspiring other women to start their own career in print. I know that being a part of the team at Moss will continue to deliver new experiences and I’ll always be helping everyone with those little alterations!”
