thread storage
 

I have been wondering about thread storage. I used to buy spools of thread and I went through them in a decent amount of time. Recently I have started purchasing cones of thread. You get more for your money that way. I have some gray that I use for my piecing and I go through that alright. But I have purchased some different colors for quilting and I won't go through those as quickly.

Should I be storing this thread in any way to make it last longer? I don't know if thread gets "old" and loses life or breaks easier, but I just thought I would ask

Any thoughts?

Use the different colors on scrappy quilts.

Store out of the sunlight, in a drawer is best they say. I keep mine in clear plastic cases, out of the sun. IF you can pull off a piece of thread from the spool and it snaps when you break it... YOu hear the break of the thread.....it is still good thread. I have thread that is 30 years old from my mom and I still use it. No problems.

Try to keep it out of direct sunlight and keep the dust off. Thread goes bad after years and years. You probably will be just fine.

I keep my thread out of direct sunlight.

What everybody else said about storage.

But, are you aware that thread that comes on cones is normally used for sergers that use 3 or 4 threads at once, and it's not as thick as sewing or quilting thread. If you're aware of this, and it doesn't bother you, then go for it!

I agree with the comment about serger thread not being strong enough for quilting, however, most cone thread is not serger thread. (but I think the only cone thread JoAnn's sells is for sergers). Lots of different threads come on cones, you just need to understand what you are purchasing.

I have never heard this. I purchased my first cone from my local quilt store and she knows what I was doing with it. Its Superior brand. The others that I bought are King Tut brand

All types of threads come on cones not just serger thread. Why would she buy serger thread to quilt?

Some people spray their long term storage thread and then put it in zip lock bags in the freezer. Supposedly it won't dry rot--stays moist and preserved. I've never tried it, but some swear by it.

I have some cone thread that is over 20 yrs old and it still works fine. Keep it out of sunlight and dust, those are the two worst enemies along with moisture.