DonnaFreak

Howdy y'all

I have TONS of thread! Some I bought new, some was given to me, some was from estate sales, and some came from old machines I bought that had a spool or three left in them. All of the ones I bought at estate sales had been kept in plastic containers with tight fitting lids.

So does thread have a "shelf life"? If so...how do you know when it's too old to use? I've pretty much assumed that anything on a wooden spool is for "decorative purposes only", but what about the rest? Any ideas or advice?

Donna

Tartan

You can use the hand test. Wrap the thread a couple of times around both hands about 8 inches apart. Pull your hands apart and see how hard it is to snap the thread. If you cannot snap it without hurting your hands, it's strong enough to use in my opinion.

ManiacQuilter2

I wouldn't use anything on a wooden spool or the old Dual duty polyfoam spools. If it looks old, it probably shouldn't be used.

Havplenty

I just took a bunch of thread spools & cones I got from an estate sale to Goodwill for someone else to treasure. I also mailed a bunch to a board member who I shipped scraps to.

I will not use older thread. I trust thread that I buy and know how it has been stored, but that is me.

Nammie to 7

I use the old thread for basting hexies. It will be removed when the hexies are all joined together. I don't use old thread for sewing.

pocoellie

I give old thread the "break" test and then use it, never had any problems, this doesn't include the "el cheapo" thread, that I take off the spool and put in a box with other threads, clippings of threads, etc., to one day make "thread" bowls.

quiltingbuddy

Good idea. Never would have thought of it myself.
And I agree, only use new thread. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well.

DonnaFreak

Pocoellie, what are "thread" bowls??

Donna

117becca

i actually prefer the older thread - it often times is stronger than today's dual duty.....

Shelbie

I've used a lot of old thread with no problems. I test them (pull to see if it breaks of snaps easily) and even pretty old thread seems to hold up well. I just finished using orange thread from my teenage years to stitch my GD's pumpkin Hallowe'en costume as it was the only orange I had and a brand new spool although forty years old! If I'm concerned that it isn't strong enough, I use it for basting.