The Finishing Stitches

Founded in 2020 by expert seamstress Emma, the studio was born after she rediscovered her passion for sewing by altering wedding dresses for friends and family. When the pandemic hit, she decided to turn that passion into a full-time business dedicated to making brides feel spectacular.

Meet Emma

Based in a welcoming studio in Salfords, nestled between Horley and Redhill in Surrey, Emma is the dedicated founder and expert seamstress behind The Finishing Stitches. With a lifelong passion for bridal wear and a deep love for the intricate beauty of wedding dresses, she has built a business centered on impeccable craftsmanship and genuine care.

Emma’s expertise goes far beyond what you will find at standard high-street alteration services. Armed with a university degree in Fashion and Textile, her career began at the very heart of the British fashion industry. She honed her technical skills, precision, and eye for detail working at the head offices of renowned brands including Monsoon, Debenhams, and Hobbs, alongside various independent fashion labels. This high-level background in commercial garment construction means she understands exactly how a dress is built from the inside out. It allows her to confidently restructure, redesign, and flawlessly tailor even the most complex, heavily structured bridal gowns.

Her dedication to her craft was proudly recognized when she became a Regional Finalist in the 2024 Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) for the South East in the Seamstress/Tailor category.

At The Finishing Stitches, you will never experience a big, anonymous operation. Emma offers a strictly personal, one-to-one service. From your very first fitting to the moment you take your dress home, it is just Emma working meticulously on your gown.

Most importantly, Emma brings a fiercely body-positive philosophy to her studio. She firmly believes that no bride should ever feel the pressure to lose weight or change her shape for her wedding day. The dress is there to be altered to fit you perfectly, exactly as you are—highlighting your natural beauty and ensuring you feel completely comfortable and confident.

After welcoming a beautiful baby girl in February 2025, Emma is now back from maternity leave and thrilled to be in the studio doing what she loves most.

Whether your gown needs a delicate adjustment or a bespoke transformation, Emma would love to help you achieve the perfect fit. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your dress and book your private consultation.