Then again, this Kuala Lumpur-born woman has always had a knack for creating things with her hands – be it origami, knitting, or crocheting. But sewing? That came much later, out of sheer boredom with working in the sales line.
“I worked in a chemical company for three years, but I realised early on – this just isn’t it,” she told FMT Lifestyle.
So, in true “I-need-a-hobby” fashion, she bought her first sewing machine for less than RM50. “I fell in love and never looked back,” she said.
Quitting her job without a solid backup plan might’ve seemed risky, but a trip to Sabah in December 2022 changed everything.
“I was visiting my brother and stumbled upon a cultural village street lined with rows and rows of batik. I just thought – why don’t we have this in KL? So, I lugged a bunch of batik fabrics back home from Sabah.”
What started as a fun sewing experiment quickly turned into something bigger when a friend invited her to sell at a charity pop-up.
She recalled: “At that point, I didn’t even have a logo, or products, but the event was in two months. So, I designed and sewed whatever I could. That day, I sold out.”
And just like that, Backstitch Studio was born. If you’re wondering about the name – yes, it’s an actual sewing term.
“Backstitch is the first and last stitch that holds everything together,” Low revealed. “I thought it was fitting because every project I create starts and ends with my hands.”
She said every piece she’s designed is named after someone she loves.
“I wanted my designs to be inspired by the connections I have. For example, the ‘Aien Cardigan,’ is named after my friend Aien, who is known to make any outfit work. She was my first muse and I wanted to make her something unique,” she shared.
The one-of-a-kind kimono-style cardigan, with its unique sleeve structure and two front ties, became an instant hit – especially when paired with her bestselling Free Size Pario Skirt, also the first item she ever sold.
Her latest design, the Rachael top, is inspired by a friend who wore her creation for her pre-wedding shoot.
“My designs blend batik with streetwear style. They are usually cropped, but can be layered, or styled in so many ways. My customer base is super diverse, from all races and age groups,” she explained.
Initially, it was just Low at her sewing machine. In 2023, she made over 200 custom pieces all on her own. It wasn’t until 2024 that she finally hired a team of local tailors to assist her.
Now, she has a range of ready-made products – including the Pario Skirt, Aien Cardigan, Dini Bandana, and June Top – while still offering custom pieces on a pre-order basis.
One of her proudest moments? Making batik skirts for bridesmaids. “I designed pencil skirts thinking that the corporate girls would love it. But I never thought my designs would be worn for a wedding.”
Aside from making stylish, wearable batik, she is big on sustainability. “I control fabric waste by making accessories like scrunchies and lanyards.”
She sources her batik from The Batik Shop in Kuantan, Pahang, and even collaborates with them. Her designs are displayed at their KL outlets.
But at the end of the day, it’s not just about making clothes – it’s about making people feel good.
“I always write this on my customers’ note: ‘May you always remember that you are the main character of your story whenever you wear Backstitch.’ That’s the feeling I want them to have. To stand out, own their look, and live their best life.”
Follow Backstitch Studio on Instagram.
Check out Low Hue Yee’s designs at The Batik Shop.
Backstitch Studio @ The Batik Shop
No. 100, Petaling Street
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 011-19119611