I’m Hana Berger, the founder of Needle & Stitch, an independent alterations and custom garment studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

I’ve been working with fabric for as long as I can remember. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and sewing has always been part of how I understand the world — through touch, structure, and observation. Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of women on garments that matter to them, from everyday pieces to once-in-a-lifetime dresses.

I care deeply about fit and construction. I don’t believe in shortcuts, and I don’t believe in quick fixes that don’t last. When I’m working on a garment, I’m thinking about how the fabric behaves, how the body moves, and what needs to change so the piece feels right. I often say I work with a lot of intuition when I’m pinning — listening to the garment and adjusting as I go.

At Needle & Stitch, every piece is looked at individually. Pricing is based on the time, complexity, and structure involved, because no two garments — or bodies — are the same. When alterations are done well, they shouldn’t be obvious. The goal is for the garment to simply feel like it fits.

Outside the studio, I value a quiet, creative life. I love spending time with my daughter, Lili, our Australian Cattle Dog mix, Momiji, my two turtles, Zinzinha and Ponyo, and my bearded dragon, Sydney. I also enjoy knitting, crochet, and watercolor painting — slower practices that continue to influence how I work with patience and care.

Creating a welcoming space is very important to me. I treat everyone who comes into my studio with respect, regardless of background, culture, or religion. Good work depends on trust, and trust starts with feeling comfortable and heard.

I speak Portuguese and Spanish, and I’ve been studying Italian and French for several years. Clear communication matters to me just as much as good construction.

Needle & Stitch is for people who care about how their clothing fits, feels, and lasts.