How Old Is TOO Old?
#1
How Old Is TOO Old?
Howdy y'all
I have TONS of thread! Some I bought new, some was given to me, some was from estate sales, and some came from old machines I bought that had a spool or three left in them. All of the ones I bought at estate sales had been kept in plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
So does thread have a "shelf life"? If so...how do you know when it's too old to use? I've pretty much assumed that anything on a wooden spool is for "decorative purposes only", but what about the rest? Any ideas or advice?
Donna
I have TONS of thread! Some I bought new, some was given to me, some was from estate sales, and some came from old machines I bought that had a spool or three left in them. All of the ones I bought at estate sales had been kept in plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
So does thread have a "shelf life"? If so...how do you know when it's too old to use? I've pretty much assumed that anything on a wooden spool is for "decorative purposes only", but what about the rest? Any ideas or advice?
Donna
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
You can use the hand test. Wrap the thread a couple of times around both hands about 8 inches apart. Pull your hands apart and see how hard it is to snap the thread. If you cannot snap it without hurting your hands, it's strong enough to use in my opinion.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MO (the Show Me state)
Posts: 2,947
I just took a bunch of thread spools & cones I got from an estate sale to Goodwill for someone else to treasure. I also mailed a bunch to a board member who I shipped scraps to.
I will not use older thread. I trust thread that I buy and know how it has been stored, but that is me.
I will not use older thread. I trust thread that I buy and know how it has been stored, but that is me.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
I give old thread the "break" test and then use it, never had any problems, this doesn't include the "el cheapo" thread, that I take off the spool and put in a box with other threads, clippings of threads, etc., to one day make "thread" bowls.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tri-Cities, Washington
Posts: 757
#8
Pocoellie, what are "thread" bowls??
Donna
Donna
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
I've used a lot of old thread with no problems. I test them (pull to see if it breaks of snaps easily) and even pretty old thread seems to hold up well. I just finished using orange thread from my teenage years to stitch my GD's pumpkin Hallowe'en costume as it was the only orange I had and a brand new spool although forty years old! If I'm concerned that it isn't strong enough, I use it for basting.
Last edited by Shelbie; 10-26-2014 at 01:53 PM.
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