Old sewing thread
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
Just tug on it! I've got thread that's more than 50 years old and it's just fine! froggyintexas
never simply 'assume' I've used thread that my mom bought in an estate sale 20 years ago that is still just fine- do a strength 'tug-test' to see if the thread is still strong- or if it breaks easily when you hold a strand of it between your two hands & give it a tug. I've had brand new thread that was- *garbage* and old thread that was wonderful- wood. plastic, cardboard- what ever does not have a lot to do with it- the way it was stored, where, and the thread itself will determine if it is still good or not.
#23
I was speaking with the owner of my local Vac and Sew shop yesterday. She's a gem of information on anything dealing with sewing. She said to tuck older cotton threads in the refrigerator to revive them -- said the moisture inside the fridge is just enough to rehydrate and refresh the thread.
#24
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 18
I am 77 years old. Very frugal, but wise enough to not use thread that is questionable. I remember my home economics teacher telling the class that cotton thread "dries out". She said to sprinkle some water on the spool, wrap it air tight (now we would use plastic bags) and store it in the freezer for a week or two. It rehydrates the thread, and it should be good as new. As for polyester threads, I agree with the strength test. If it breaks easily, use it to teach a younger person to sew!
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas area, Texas, USA
Posts: 3,050
I use old thread like that for practicing FMQ, and I need lots of practice, so that's a money saving use for it. If it passes the tug test I might use it in a quilt, but probably for decorative stitches rather than where it is needed to hold things together. I make quilts that are supposed to see a lot of use and washing. In a wall quilt I wouldn't worry about it, as long as it's good thread that isn't going to lint off and cause problems with the machine. Over the years I have not liked the kind of thread that was sold on styrofoam spools. We live in a humid area where thread keeps better than it might in very dry places.
If I were teaching a youngster to sew, I would not set up potential disappointments such as thread that breaks easily. Not only is it frustrating, but it's not uncommon for people to hang on to their very first something they made, and so this thread my wind up in an item that will be pulled out of a drawer and shown to your student's grandchildren someday!
If I were teaching a youngster to sew, I would not set up potential disappointments such as thread that breaks easily. Not only is it frustrating, but it's not uncommon for people to hang on to their very first something they made, and so this thread my wind up in an item that will be pulled out of a drawer and shown to your student's grandchildren someday!
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 493
Are you familiar with Tamari balls - the old thread could be used for these lovely pieces of art. http://www.temari.com, http://www.japanesetemari.com
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 865
In addition to plain tugging on the thread, try this: unwind the thread and throw away all the thread that was exposed. Taking about six inches of the thread remaining on the spool between your hands, do a sudden, strong tug near your ear. You are listening for a sharp sound of breaking. If you hear that, and the thread is not shredded where you broke it, it should be safe to use. This is mostly for cotton thread, but I would try it on other threads.
I agree with the misting of the thread and putting it in the freezer in a baggie for a couple weeks, or even days.
I agree with the misting of the thread and putting it in the freezer in a baggie for a couple weeks, or even days.
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