I think Steam a seam recommends fresh because it is a fusible that is tacky and sticks to itself before you fuse it down. It is perfect for art quilts and raw edge applique. If it is old, it loses that ability and acts like the other fusibles. Recently I took a class and several in the class had "old product". It just didn't work the same. But it did fuse like all the others once an iron was applied.