older fabrics, say pre-1950 I've learned if it rips too easily it is probably rotting, and I wouldn't use any blacks and for the same reasons 1920's and back probably wouldn't use any of the deep colors as the dyes are rotting the fabrics before my eyes I expect.
I might use thinly woven fabric or older well used clothing in a wall piece that won't get washed and worn
but never in a quilt made to be used. Common sense is key to all of it.