New thread weaker than old....
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 502
New thread weaker than old....
I have a bunch if old threads and was wondering if they were still good so I pulled out ~12 inches from the spool and pulled/yanked them. Most of the old threads (on wooden spools) did not break at all when i pulled it HARD.
So I decided to compare the strength to a brand new spool of aurifil. The aurifil broke immediately and easily with just the tiniest pull!
Is this the way to test a threads condition and strength or was old thread simply made stronger? Makes me wonder if I'm overpaying for thread...
So I decided to compare the strength to a brand new spool of aurifil. The aurifil broke immediately and easily with just the tiniest pull!
Is this the way to test a threads condition and strength or was old thread simply made stronger? Makes me wonder if I'm overpaying for thread...
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
The way you "tested" the threads is the recommended method. Everyone says that if it's old thread(wooden spools) to just toss or keep as "pretties", I personally have a bunch of wooden spool threads and use them quite often and have never had a problem. As far as Aurifil, I have no idea, since it's too expensive for me to buy, although a number of people swear by it.
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
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I think that test is only reliable when testing for dry rot. I assume your Aurifil is the 50wt 2-ply thread. 2-ply thread is typically less strong than 3-ply thread. However, I much prefer Aurifil 2-ply 50wt over standard 3-ply for both piecing and quilting (on my domestic machine; it's too weak for quilting on my midarm machine).
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Illinois
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The aurifil is 50wt 2-ply. But if it weaker than the 3-ply, why is it better for piecing? I've read that it makes the seams lay more flat. But wouldn't strength be more important? Thanks for your help!
#5
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Location: Western Wisconsin
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Machine sewing is already very strong -- especially compared to hand sewing seams with a running stitch, which is how quilts were made before the invention of the sewing machine. Hand-pieced quilts survive because there is very little stress on the seams once a quilt is quilted. Therefore, the slight difference in seam strength between using a 3-ply and a 2-ply thread isn't a negative that weighs against the positive of having seams lie flatter and be more accurate for matching purposes.
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
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I have about 30 wooden spools from my Grandmothers stash and I would NOT use it to piece. Haven't figured out what to do with it yet. Saw a cute wreath someone made on the board with spool threads from her Mother's stash.
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