Is old thread safe to use?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 3,111
Is old thread safe to use?
I was given some old thread and I am wondering if its safe to use. How can I tell? Not sure at all how old this thread is.. but it is on wooden spools and I have never seen wooden spools
#2
If you give it a sharp tug and it breaks, I would'nt use it. Also, I would be sure it is colorfast by putting some in a little water and allow it to sit overnight. If there is bleeding that occurred, no not use it. Also the fiber content is important to check. I have some old silk thread on wooden spools that I would not part with and use it rarely.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 03-03-2015 at 10:52 AM.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Sometimes even new thread is not usable. Age isn't that much of a factor. My mom bought out a store closing stock of thread back in the end of the 80' s we are still using that thread. Once in a while we find a spool that doesn't pass the { tug test} but most is fine. Give it a tug test, if it passes try it out, if it doesn't break/ shred you are OK. How well a thread ages depends on how its been stored along with its quality in the first place
#7
Yes, definitely a good idea to remove the first layer before you try the tug test. The first layer is often weaker than what lies underneath and is frequently faded as well. I use wooden spool thread all the time with no ill effects.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 957
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 818
I use the tug test to differentiate between 50 wt cotton, dual duty, and aurifil 50 all the time. I made the mistake of buying colored bobbins for the Viking, and it can be hard to see with the bobbin color reflecting on the thread. (They are pretty, though!).
Each thread breaks very differently, so I am assuming that the tug test for old thread identifies thread that snaps way more easily than these?
hugs,
Charlotte
Each thread breaks very differently, so I am assuming that the tug test for old thread identifies thread that snaps way more easily than these?
hugs,
Charlotte
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KLO
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
03-19-2015 10:09 AM