When is thread too old to use?
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
If you sew, you wind up with new thread since fabrics change dye lots. i use a lot of burgandy, and every year the color changes. Annoys me as I usually have plenty of the original fabric left.
Serger and quilting thread get the snap test.
Serger and quilting thread get the snap test.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,906
I'd say if the thread isn't good to use after 2 years, it wouldn't be good in a quilt anyway. I think machine quilting, we find out pretty easy if a thread is snapping. Stick with quality threads and they should last a long long time.
#13
It's the same marketing ploy used with OTC meds... if the pills are not bubbled or distorted, then the expiration date is bologna. It's just a way to keep the product moving. I have threads I have carried around with me for years, and if they pass the "tug" test, they are used. I cannot afford to run out and buy thread every single time I want to sew something.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kansas
Posts: 1,920
I've used thread that I knew was at least 10-20 years old with no problems and vice versa have had problems with a supposedly brand new spool of thread.
If it passes the "tug test" ie does not break easily when given a sharp tug, then it doesn't matter if you bought it yesterday or it came from King Tut's tomb! Lol!
If it passes the "tug test" ie does not break easily when given a sharp tug, then it doesn't matter if you bought it yesterday or it came from King Tut's tomb! Lol!
#16
I think the issue with old thread is that it can become dry and brittle and might jam up in your machine, not that it's too old to hold the fabric together. Seems like I read somewhere once about putting old thread in the freezer to "rehydrate" it. Never tried it. I've got some seriously old thread (large spool priced at 15 cents!) that was given to me by my DH's grandmother before she passed away. So far none of it has given me any problems.
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