Does thread deteriorate?
#1
Does thread deteriorate?
A friend whose parents ran a draper's shop has just given me several boxes of old threads - many of them on wooden spools! There's a mix of cotton and synthetic spools. Is it likely to be OK to use, or does it deteriorate with age?
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Simply do a tug test to see if it's okay.ive used plenty of threads that were 20-30 years old and just fine, I've had thread that was brand new be ( bad). It depends on lots of things. Yes, thread can deteriorate.it all depends on how it was stored, humidity, quality in the first place...
take a piece 12" or so long, wrap it between your two hands & give it a tug- if it doesn't easily break it is fine. I test every spool of thread, new or old before using. I hate starting a project and dealing with frequent breakage because it is not strong enough. I've had new, expensive thread wind up being unusable ( which I returned) and old thread work great.
take a piece 12" or so long, wrap it between your two hands & give it a tug- if it doesn't easily break it is fine. I test every spool of thread, new or old before using. I hate starting a project and dealing with frequent breakage because it is not strong enough. I've had new, expensive thread wind up being unusable ( which I returned) and old thread work great.
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I went to an estate sale last year and purchased a large gallon Ziploc bag of thread. Some had been used and some not (plastic cover still on). I do the strand test with every spool before use. So far no problems. I save the those "silica" packets that come with medicine bottles. Some spools are still in the bags. I toss the little silica packets in those bags for a little safeguarding for the used spools.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
A friend gave me a lot of thread on wooden spools, and, after testing it, I use it. I have never had a problem using it. However, the testing is important because thread, just like fabric, could have been stored in such a way as to degrade it.
Be careful.
Be careful.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Cotton thread does weaken & fade over time. Proper storage (kept in containers, away from UV light) does help. Typically I've been taught that you can start to get minor issues with cotton thread around the 20 year mark. Wooden spools are very likely older than that & every professional I've heard has recommended using them as decoration. In addition to the tug test, I would maybe try a sample sandwich to make sure it can handle the rigors of being run through your machine. If the thread seems to be in pretty good shape to you, the one suggestion I would add is to apply some thread conditioner to it before you start sewing. I like Sewer's Aid. You can buy it at JAF, HL or just about anywhere.
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
If the cotton thread was stored in boxes, then it's more likely to be fine. Cardboard boxes allow the thread to "breathe". Storage in plastic is bad for thread because it traps moisture in the thread. Moisture is very damaging to thread and fabric over time.
Where you live can make a difference. If you live in a humid climate, it is more likely that older thread will be damaged. If you live in a dry climate, thread can last a lot longer.
Google "dry rot in thread" for more info. Dry rot is actually a fungi that thrives in damp conditions. It weakens thread and the fibers in fabric.
#9
Well, maybe. Cotton thread is subject to dry rot. Also, the process used to dye the darkest colors (such as navy and black) are the most caustic and hardest on the thread. Polyester is not subject to dry rot and I think the color issue is not there for it either.
If the cotton thread was stored in boxes, then it's more likely to be fine. Cardboard boxes allow the thread to "breathe". Storage in plastic is bad for thread because it traps moisture in the thread. Moisture is very damaging to thread and fabric over time.
Where you live can make a difference. If you live in a humid climate, it is more likely that older thread will be damaged. If you live in a dry climate, thread can last a lot longer.
Google "dry rot in thread" for more info. Dry rot is actually a fungi that thrives in damp conditions. It weakens thread and the fibers in fabric.
If the cotton thread was stored in boxes, then it's more likely to be fine. Cardboard boxes allow the thread to "breathe". Storage in plastic is bad for thread because it traps moisture in the thread. Moisture is very damaging to thread and fabric over time.
Where you live can make a difference. If you live in a humid climate, it is more likely that older thread will be damaged. If you live in a dry climate, thread can last a lot longer.
Google "dry rot in thread" for more info. Dry rot is actually a fungi that thrives in damp conditions. It weakens thread and the fibers in fabric.
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