When is thread too old?
 

I know that if it breaks easy it is obviously too old, but what if you purchased a bag of thread on sale and misplaced it for five years and then found it this morning when you where looking for something else.

The receipt is dated March 2007 and it is Gutermann cotton and cotton/poly thread, 14 rolls, wow, I used to be shopper :). I have no recollection of this purchase and no idea why I put it in the back of the pantry. The thread seems fine. Would you use it?

I think you've pretty much answered your own question. As long as it does not break easily I would think it should be ok. I've used thread much older than that with no problems and had issues with newly purchased thread.

I test mine by holding it in my hands and pulling on it. If it snaps, I discard it. It should be really hard to break.

It's easy enough to pull a foot or so off and see how easily it breaks by tugging. If it breaks easy--toss it. If not; I would try it on the machine for piecing but if it acts up--in the trash it goes.

I use thread that is from 2007...and even older...that really isn't that old and know that I have thread that is a lot older...as long as it doesn't break easily it should be good for awhile yet....sort of like finding a treasure!

I still use some thread that only cost $.10 a spool...and it's still good! It belonged to my Mom, and I got most of her sewing things when she passed several years ago. It doesn't break easily, so I guess that's my main criteria for its use...if it breaks, out it goes. So far, no problems.

Yup, the break test. Some of mine dates back to WWII (no, I'm not that old) and it's still sound.

I've found spools of thread, I KNOW I bought at least 20 years ago, and still use them.

As far as I know, some quilts that are over 100 years old are still holding together. So SOME threads will be just fine.

Try sewing a bit with it - give it a tug or two - if it holds together - as far as I'm concerned, I would use it.

Glad this question was asked because I have no idea how old some of my thread is. The basic colors like white, tan, black and grey get used but alot of the other colors are for applique and things so they will last a long time.