From your description, it sounds as if it would work. I do know that the kantan hook is made by Clover and could very well be sold at Joanne's. I suggest that you look at the videos on YouTube produced by Clover (Cloverneedlecraft), Kantan Couture Instructional DVD, which demonstrates the technique.

For many years, I have had a very find gauge hook and latch device which I have known as a "knit fixer." I used it to fix pulled threads in knit fabric.

Would that work?

I believe I saw one of these at Joann's recently.

BethMI

My mother and grandmother did beading for dressmakers this way for many years. They pinned fabric to a wooden frame which was stretched and held tight with clamps. I remember sitting under the frame as a child watching the strings of beads make a design. My mother beaded the lace for my wedding gown this way. I would like to find out more about the history of this technique and more importantly, I need to have Mom teach me how to do it. I have been a member for many years, and read the forum everyday, but have not posted before. This really impressed me enough to comment.

Maybe next time Alex and Ricky have a beading specialist on a show they could gently push that expert to demonstrate that technique (evil grin)!

Libbi wrote:
That's OK, Libbi! It happens a lot!

I tried this technique today using a fine crochet hook. Not so easy, but I've been reading on the internet that this technique is also called french couture (sp.) beading and is used extensively for those gorgeous high fashion beaded gowns since it is much quicker than a needle and thread technique. The kantan hook made by Clover is like a very fine rug latch hook. The latch closes after capturing the thread and prevents catching a thread in the fabric. That part of the chain stitch is where I failed in my trial. Now if I can find one of these hooks here in Switzerland, I may give it another try. There are videos on YouTube too.

Sorry to cause you a confused moment there Margo.

WHEW! I racked my brain trying to remember seeing beads and crochet hooks!!

Eureka! I found it . The discussion was part of my QU course, Crystal Quilts, and not part of TQS, I had to calmly and rationally think about what projects I had abandoned in order to complete my Christmas projects and then I found the reference.

If anyone is interested, it is called tambour process and uses a fine crochet hook or a tiny latch hook. One name for this item is a Kantan Couture hook. A reference site is http://www.rajmahal.com.au/HowTo11.aspx

Has anyone heard of or used a technique to apply beads with a very small crochet hook? I thought I heard it mentioned in one of the TQS shows and bought a hook at that time. Had to be in 2010. But I have been so busy taking up the challenge from my DH to finish the king sized Christmas bed quilt for 2010 and make Christmas cards and gifts that I completely forgot where and when I heard this. Now I am ready to take up a project I abandoned for the last 3 months. HELP?