Old thread from Estate Sale
 

Hi Everybody, I scored some sewing goodies at an estate sale. There was a lot of thread! The really old thread on wooden spools is going into clear mason jar to be used as a decoration in my sewing studio; but I just don't know what to do with the other threads. Are they still good to use? This is the list of what I ended up with:

Talon 100% polyester thread
Coats Dual Duty plus mercenized cotton covered polyester
Lily Spun Polyester
Falconet polyester

Thanks!

I use old thread all the time, including thread on wooden spools. I test it first by holding a length between my hands and giving a strong tug. If it doesn't break, it can be used. Some of the thread that I've used in my art quilts are probably close to 100 years old and they went through my machines just fine, including doing FMQ with them.

That said, I would not use thread that old in a quilt that was going to be used and laundered regularly as I don't do any tests to see how well it holds up to modern laundry detergents, etc.

Rob

I don't throw thread away unless it's really bad. If it doesn't pass the tug test I use it for basting.

Cari

Polyester thread doesn't deteriorate, as far as I know. Cotton thread is subject to "dry rot"; polyester is not.

i use old thread all the time... some of it i bought new 50 years ago LOL

Exactly what I do.

I don't really trust old thread. But I wonder how old it is? ( I mean the ones not on wooden spools)

Ditto, Cari..........................

Truth is, I don't buy much thread....I use a few neutrals......but I still have thread when I made garments and you had to match thread for zippers and hems. Hello basting thread.

Same here, I bought 2 boxes of large threads on wooden spools at a garage sale. There was 24 spools total. All different colors including white, black, brown, green, blue, red, etc. They were $5.00 for each box. Now, when I got them home, I started testing one of them and found, yes, I had to take off some thread until it didn't break any more. Have put them in plastic bags as I get the old thread off, have been using them for the last 7 years. Still using them and after, I put them in the plastic bags, they all stay great (I think they had been in a closet for several years) and they make great quilts and my sewing machines love them.

I figure that old thread is in old quilts, and if they are not falling apart, then it must be okay.