Hi Daisy,

The most washable way is to use waste canvas for a counted design, or a
tranfer for a line design.

Some homework is necessary--use only real glass beads, with the
slightly larger holes. You might have a problem finding such beads in
colours that work (and I can't recommend a source, sorry). The type of
fabric also needs some thought--beads should not get pressed at high
temperatures, so you would not think of pure linen first. This is one
place where a synthetic blend or wash-and-wear makes a lot of sense.

Then you use fine polyester thread doubled into a #3 crewel needle (or
whatever goes with both the thread and beads) and sew half cross
stitches, stringing the bead on before the needle goes down. You can go
into each bead 2X if you really are worried about breaks. Tie a knot
after each fourth bead, and then another knot before the next, but
don't cut the thread between knots, they are to ensure that no more
than 4 beads ever fall out.

You will see that the beads sit pretty well after the waste canvas
comes out. Large areas cover pretty fast. My mother laundered such
pieces on the gentle cycle of the washer, and then let them dry by
rolling in a towel. You would use a towel on the ironing board, and a
press cloth from the back, for any touching up.

Good lcuk--Irene

Daisy wrote:
I need to get hold of a source that gives instruction for beading
designs direct onto material as in tops or dresses - NOT handbags or
anything portable like that.

Any clues anyone please?

Cheers

Daisy