On one of my earlier quilts I decided to try to use up some thread I had around for years. Big mistake! Gave the quilt to my then teenage GS with alot of explanation of how he should appreciate and respect the quilt and he would always have it. tehe. Next thing I know, I am taking the quilt home to hand stitch many of the pieces together as the thread was literly falling apart. No lentgh of stitch would have made a difference.