FroggyinTexas

I have some spools that are at lest 50 years old and pass the tug test. I will use it until it is used up! froggyintexas

tessagin

I do have some thread that belonged to my grandmother (forgot I had it). I thank you all for the replies because I counted 50+ spools, some not used. Would hate to replace all of it.

citruscountyquilter

I pull on it and if it doesn't break I use it. I just finished up using a spool of thread that I used to make a bridesmaid dress in the early 70's and it was just fine. I remember the spool because of the unusual color which is also why it probably took so long to use up.
I try not to waste thread. As a spool gets a little on it I use it for hand basting. I use the leftover thread on my bobbins for hand sewing or use the bobbin on the thread spindle on my machine and use it up that way.

solstice3

If it still works, use it. I have saved and used some that is weaker for basting as it isn't permanent

carolynjo

Yep! Use the thread until it is gone. I have quilts that are nearly 100 years and they are still holding together nicely, so I use old thread that I have (after testing it).

Stitchnripper

Does this mean that if we use invisible thread in a quilt, it will start falling apart after about 2 years, or just on a spool?

donnajean

As with everything else, newer is not always better. I'm wearing clothes that are 20yrs. old, so why not use thread that old.

MaggieLou

I have some thread that was my grandmother's I'm still using. I just ran across a spool a few days ago that had a price of 29 cents printed on it. I haven't tried to use it yet but you can imagine how old it is. So far I haven't had any trouble with any of the older thread. I just check it for strength before using. BTW, I'm 70 y/o and my grandmother passed in 1957.

Stitchit123

Iffy thread is great for basting but I would never use it for any kind of piecing. Thread is the one thing I do not over buy or stock up on. I buy it as I need it.

BettyGee

Forever until it is all gone. If it starts breaking on a regular basis then I know it is time to let it go. So far, knock wood, I've not had to throw out any thread in the last twenty years.