You might to wind a small amount on a bobbin then sew with it,just hem something and see how the thread hoolds up. Once I was given about 75 spools of cotton thread also some other types The thread on the wooden spools did not sew well as it kept breaking. So far about 6 years now all the other is doing great. I make a lot of pillows, ,pillow slips and scarfs for the house,not to mention drapes an curtains. May the lady was right, use it on something that dpes not get stressed as much. I have really enjoyed mine. A 73 yr old quilter.