My friend gave me a big box of (ugly) scraps. There was also lots of thread. I decided to use up the weird colors in piecing blocks because it seemed to be strong. I haven't had any problem with it. In fact, it's better than wal mart thread! It must be at least 10 years old. I really gave it the stretch/tug test and I've been happy. But I do know that florescent lights weaken fibers. It also fades fabric along the fold, etc. if it isn't rotated very often.