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Unless it breaks easily (give it a stress test) I would use it. Thread is expensive and piecing can be done with those assorted threads.
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I agree Donna, that it was better made. I know I have thread that is at least 30 yrs. old and it still works just fine.
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I've always liked Coats & Clark (cotton covered polyester.) Last week I bought several spools when it was 50% off at Hancock's. I noticed it didn't have as much sheen as it used to. When I sewed with it didn't look nice so I checked the spool. It's now made in Mexico, and is "polyester covered polyester." I don't like it. If anyone wants to donate old thread for charity; I'd be grateful for it and would pay shipping. I make clothing protectors (large bibs) for the Conway Human Development Center (in Arkansas.) This is a residential facility for the handicapped. I put old thread in the freezor and never have had a problem with it.
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If it works well I would keep on using it.
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I found a whole drawer full of thead when going thru my Moms quilting things, some is 20+ years old. I have been using it for the past 5 years, if it gives me trouble on the machine, I toss it but also save the wooden spools), otherwise I have had no problems either using or with the finished quilts. I too am also too cheap to just toss it since it is older!!!
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Thread becomes brittle as it ages. To check if your thread is such, pull out some of the thread with your hands and pull on it. If it breaks easily then throw it away as it's brittle. It will do the same in your seams if any stress is put on the quilt.
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I was given a large box of all colors of thread, from a sister-in-laws estate I have used a lot of them they work just fine. I can,t see spending the money for new thread if this works.
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The older machines are able to handle the older spools of thread, not like the plastic machines of today, everything was made better way back when.. I am using thread that I have had over 30 years and don't really have any trouble, also inherited my Mother's spools of thread.
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Originally Posted by nativetexan
i apply a line of sewer's aid to old threads.
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I agree with Maia about the thread wearing well and if the old thread was so bad why are the old quilts still in one piece for the most part and not just a jumble of little pieces waiting to be sewed back together! I am trying to use up some of my mothers threaded since shee passed away 16 years ago. I mostly used it for wall hangings as they will not get the hard wear and tear of a quilt or clothing. So far my machine has not protested.
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i have rayon embroidery thread that is at least 30 yrs old and it still sews perfectly. i store it in a drawer so its not exposed to any sun light. so much for the myth about old thread.
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I too, use my own old thread for appliqué when it matches. Most pieces get quilted down anyway, so the greatest stress is washing. It's okay for piecing, too, on less labor intensive or expensive projects. Most seams don't get as stressed as the quilting lines. But the Mettler I've been using lately is so much less linty. I've been reading up on thread on this board as I get into machine quilting and improve my techniques all around, so I just placed an Aurifil order from Tristan Threads in Canada on a tip from Candace from this board. GREAT prices on set compared to my sewing machine dealer. I WISH I had a local QS that deserved to have me overpay for thread, but the two LQS I go to haven't earned that level of loyalty from me yet.
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I put the wooden spools into one of my vases...it looks so nice with all the pretty colors of vintage thread.
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For those who have thread on those wonderful wooden spools and might be hesitant to use it...
consider it a "collectable". If you really don't want to keep it, check the internet for collectors. :thumbup: |
I have my own collection of thread, some of my mother's and some of my own. I too put some of her wooden spools in a jar for a lamp, and the rest I keep around mostly for mending and sewing on buttons. Sometimes it can be difficult to find just the right color and my 'stash' of thread has come to the rescue.
Long hard stitching requires good thread, for that I would stick to newer stuff. |
The only thread I've had problems with is the newer cheapie stuff from the dollar store that is made with really short fibers. The older thread and the higher quality new thread works great.
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I still have lots of Coats and Clark thread left over from when I started sewing 60 years ago. I use it for hand sewing such as basting and sewing in hems. I do not use it in my Bernina; but do use it in my old Kenmore.
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I have been thinking these same thoughts for yrs but never shared them because some don't mind spending money to buy new.
Originally Posted by Maia B
I don't quite believe the "don't use old thread" rule is valid. I mean, if the thread was stored away from dust and direct sunlight, what's the problem?Maybe not for a show quilt. If the thread sewn into our clothes can endure the stress of wearing, seams getting pulled on when we sit etc, temperature changes from heated indoors to frigid outdoors, and WASHING (with hot and cold water and detergent) and DRYING, then why would thread that's been resting peacefully in box or drawer for years crumble? Most of the time, clothes become unwearable due to stains or wear of the fabric, not the seams. And most of our clothes are hardly couture with the finest thread. I don't think clothes sold at Target have fancy thread in them. So I'm gonna keep using my own thread stash for everything but my finest projects (and those too for appliqué). I suspect some of that "old thread is bad" argument is intended to push us to buy more thread.
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I use it for hand basting.
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Originally Posted by pjaco
Sweet !! I love homemade ornaments. Thanks for the feedback !
Originally Posted by toomanycats
here is an idea for leftover spools my aunt and I did one summer I was visiting. she would go to salvation army or good will or yard sales and pick up costume jewelery then take it apart for the gems...then we would take ribbon and cover the middle of the spools or can paint them. we then would take pieces of the jewelery and glue it onto that to make a design. thread a ribbon through with a bead on the end to keep from pulling through and we would have christmas ornaments.
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Originally Posted by Maia B
I don't quite believe the "don't use old thread" rule is valid. I mean, if the thread was stored away from dust and direct sunlight, what's the problem?Maybe not for a show quilt. If the thread sewn into our clothes can endure the stress of wearing, seams getting pulled on when we sit etc, temperature changes from heated indoors to frigid outdoors, and WASHING (with hot and cold water and detergent) and DRYING, then why would thread that's been resting peacefully in box or drawer for years crumble? Most of the time, clothes become unwearable due to stains or wear of the fabric, not the seams. And most of our clothes are hardly couture with the finest thread. I don't think clothes sold at Target have fancy thread in them. So I'm gonna keep using my own thread stash for everything but my finest projects (and those too for appliqué). I suspect some of that "old thread is bad" argument is intended to push us to buy more thread.
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I would do a stress test to see how strong it was and then use for craft things but not a quilt. I would make coil bowls, they use a lot of thread... just ot use and empty the spools. I wouldn't ever use the black or dark colors like burgandy abd brown if it was to old. Especially the black, the dye is hard on the thread....
Aslong as it is strong and dosen t break easy should be ok. |
I have inherited some pre WWII thread. Unfortunately I shared some with a DIL who threw it away, but mine works well for straight stitching in my new very expensive Brother. It works in my old Pfaff and of course in my even older Singer. I think it will outlast me.
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Originally Posted by nativetexan
i apply a line of sewer's aid to old threads.
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I totally agree if it has been kept out of the sun I would not throw it away. If thread is made to stand up to quilts then it should lastas long as the quilt...same with garments. Give the thread a test for strength and if it doesn't break easily it should be fine.
Originally Posted by Maia B
I don't quite believe the "don't use old thread" rule is valid. I mean, if the thread was stored away from dust and direct sunlight, what's the problem?Maybe not for a show quilt. If the thread sewn into our clothes can endure the stress of wearing, seams getting pulled on when we sit etc, temperature changes from heated indoors to frigid outdoors, and WASHING (with hot and cold water and detergent) and DRYING, then why would thread that's been resting peacefully in box or drawer for years crumble? Most of the time, clothes become unwearable due to stains or wear of the fabric, not the seams. And most of our clothes are hardly couture with the finest thread. I don't think clothes sold at Target have fancy thread in them. So I'm gonna keep using my own thread stash for everything but my finest projects (and those too for appliqué). I suspect some of that "old thread is bad" argument is intended to push us to buy more thread.
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