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It does work to put thread in the freezer. Thread is not necessarily junk or too old when it won't behave. Why do we use Thread Heaven or bees'wax to "condition" thread? Sometimes it just needs a little help.
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Whoa, good point! We did this as well growing up, actually just put in a clothes line and thank you for the reminder!!
BTW they smell sooooo good. (Nice memories Momma) Beautiful Columbia River Gorge |
I've put thread in the freezer before with good results. I have a frost free freezer.
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I guess I'm doing something wrong. I've never had trouble with thread. :o
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it worked for me with embroidery machine thread. Had trouble with the thread sherding , after being in the freezer it sewed great
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I will have to try this. Just hope hubby doesn't think they are some kind of a popsicle. ):
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Originally Posted by Anna from Oz
(Post 5120655)
A quilt teacher once told me to store cotton threads I'd had for some years into the refrigerator for a few days. Something about the thread being "dry" and the moisture in the refrigerator puts the moisture back again. I have had reels of threads for many many years and I do put the container of threads in the refrigerator from time to time. I've never had a problem with them, I also throw the polyester threads in the refrigerator too for a little holiday.
By the way, I put silk garments in the freezer to freeze before I iron them, and years ago when I used to damp down the washing prior to ironing, if I couldn't get the ironing done that day I would store the whole damped down lot in the chest freezer. It didn't dry out and I didn't have to re-damp it all down again. Does anyone still damp down their ironing? Regards, Anna from Oz |
Not necessarily so Candace. I had a brand new R&A black that shredded like you wouldn't believe. I used the freezer trick and no more trouble.
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Good one ghostrider. Sometimes you just have a win. Thanks for the laugh.
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If you are adding moisture to the thread, are you adding moisture, and causing rust in the machine? Isn't there a thead lubricant?
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Originally Posted by katesnanna
(Post 5122707)
Not necessarily so Candace. I had a brand new R&A black that shredded like you wouldn't believe. I used the freezer trick and no more trouble.
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I would be interested to know if many people have success with this!
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I keep my silk applique and embroidery threads in baggies, the snack size, to retain the moisture.
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If dryness afflicts thread and fabrics - how well do textiles survive in hot, dry areas?
As compared to damp, cool ones? (I'm thinking musty, moldy and/or mildewy would be more of a problem here) If I lived in a hot desert, would I need to go around spritzing everything that was made of a natural fiber? I really do want an answer - - - - |
how well do textiles survive in hot, dry areas?
Originally Posted by bearisgray
(Post 5135391)
If dryness afflicts thread and fabrics - how well do textiles survive in hot, dry areas?
As compared to damp, cool ones? (I'm thinking musty, moldy and/or mildewy would be more of a problem here) If I lived in a hot desert, would I need to go around spritzing everything that was made of a natural fiber? I really do want an answer - - - - |
My only question here would be --- if it's the moisture that makes sewing with ( what could be nothing more than old thread ) easier --- then what happens when the quilt is done and the moisture goes away? You still have old thread in your quilt and have defeated the purpose, I would think.
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Originally Posted by Granpaquilts
(Post 5145650)
My only question here would be --- if it's the moisture that makes sewing with ( what could be nothing more than old thread ) easier --- then what happens when the quilt is done and the moisture goes away? You still have old thread in your quilt and have defeated the purpose, I would think.
No one seems to know exactly why this works, the moisture theory was just that - a theory. |
Originally Posted by Nanamoms
(Post 5117462)
I've read on my embroidery groups that putting thread in the freezer will restore moisture and keep it from drying and breaking. Haven't tried it myself yet.
I thought at first mine was dry thread as well after reading all the post last fall but I still had the same problems when I bought new thread. Changing the needle size, type and I also slowed it down (which I had already tried) gave me perfect pieces. Finally. |
I keep my betteries in the freezer and used to put my mylons there, but freezing thread is new to me. QB comes through again.
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Frabric and the freezer
Originally Posted by MacThayer
(Post 5117512)
This may be way off topic, but I used to put my nylons and panty hose in a container of water and freeze the overnight, and I'll swear they lasted longer and didn't snag as easily. This suggestion came from the manufacturer, and was meant for brand new hose. I think if we enlisted a chemist, he/she could tell us what the freezing process does to the fibers in the materials that are frozen.
I hear you when you note that the technology has changed, and "frost free" freezers remove moisture instead of adding it. But we haven't determined yet if it's the addition of moisture or the act of freezing that is providing the beneficial help for the thread, and it sounds like it's the freezing alone. If you're concerned about adding a bit of moisture, you could always do as I did, and freeze it in a container of water, or not as drastic, just a sealed plastic bag with moisture in it. That would solve the problem. This is not the first time I've heard it suggested that I put some kind of material into the freezer - dry or wet - for at least 24 hours to obtain a beneficial result. I'm thinking there has to be something to it. If it works, then I say "go for it!" Why argue with success? Cheers! Nancy |
Here's a new twist: There's a similar discussion on another board I belong to, and the suggestion there is to dip your cone of thread in pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil. Apparently Sharon Schamber does this, it's one of the things she teaches it in her classes. She dips, wipes the excess off, and sews away! I have a friend who is a Homesteader dealer and she does this with her thread. I asked her if the oil leaves stains on her fabric and she said no. I'm going to try this on a cone of Superior Rainbow I've been struggling with.
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I agree with Candace. If you have to do this something is wrong.
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