I've been an on-again, off-again quilter for many years. It's a little disconcerting for me to see dates as far back as 1992 on selvages, and I recognize a few pieces as being even older, leftover from projects I know I made back when. They seem good still, and they're American made, which is a definite plus. I was just wondering if there's any reason not to use fabrics this old. I'd still use them for any quilt intended for our own use, but will not put them into a swap item if the general consensus is there might be a problem. I'll just wait to see what you all have to say. If it makes a difference, there has never been smoke in our home. Pets, yes, but not near the fabric stash.

I have some fabric that is 15yrs old, and it appears to be fine. I think as long as it is stored away from direct sunlight and is refolded occasionally, it should be alright. My fabric is stored in to places, one in a closet with the doors closed and secondly, on a bookshelf with fleece drapery on it.

Oldies and stash .... two of my favorite words. I love listening to the oldies (music) while petting my stash (fabric).

I have lots of fabric that is much older than the examples that you used. I would not worry about using them in a quilt or in a swap. Most fabrics are 100% cotton, and I think that they will hold up a lot longer than you may think.

I made quilt 3 years ago with fabric that was over 25 years old from my mothers stash. I still have some of her stash that she passed down to me. I love older fabrics. Mom kept her fabric stored away, out of sunlight and no dust. It was like new. I think your fabric will be ok to use. If its yardage you could wash and dry it to see if it would hold up.

I don't see why not...old quilts are still used.

every couple years my mom goes through a bit more of her attic and i get (goody packages) of fabrics ... all cottons, all high quality-quilt shop quality...most from the 40's and 50's the fabrics are just fine... if it were a problem using fabrics from 15 years ago...what would those quilts be like? there are plenty of 100+year old quilts-the old fabric must be ok.
and people search all over for actual period fabrics to use instead of reproductions.

I am a true believer that no fabric can be sewn until its properly aged. Go ahead and use it. You like it or you would not have kept it this long. I have some that is older than that and it it works into a quilt...yippee!

ditto! use it and count it as a blessing ;-)

I love the older stuff, and use it when ever I can find it. No problems at all!

Visually look the fabric over, then give it a good tug, if it doesn't tear I would use it :D:D:D

I am currently cutting pieces for quilts from the family stash of scraps back to 1920! only had three fabrics that were bad so far.....

Thanks to all who answered! I somehow failed to watch my own topic, and just remembered to check back. I'm glad the verdict is in favor of using the oldies. In a way, it's funny I had any doubt because hanging on the wall behind my computer is a quilt from the 1930's, and there is not a single worn out spot, even though it obviously saw plenty of use and washing in its day. I do appreciate all your thoughtful input!

Forgot to mention that one of the scraps that turned up was from my eighth grade sewing class, making it 50 years old. I kept it mostly for sentimental reasons. It's as ugly as ever - can't imagine why I picked a murky beige, tan and lavender floral - but it's an excellent cotton, and if I did not recognize it, there's no way I could ever guess how old it is. Here it is in a Lil Twister WIP: