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Member since 9/18/04
Posts: 133
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Posted on: 2/13/06 2:16 AM ET

Hi, just a quick question. Through a chance ebay purchase I have about 1200 spools of embroidery thread, the regular size, all colors and styles. Very nice and enough to keep me sewing forever. The thing I am wondering is some of it is pretty old, some of the spools are marked made in West Germany. I know of course that it is not cotton, but will there be any marked decrease in stitch quality? I read once that thread can be revived by rehydrating it, but it that only for cotton thread?
  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 2/13/06 8:19 AM ET
I've heard that cotton thread can be revived in the freezer. I'm sure it's fine to practice with or for samples. I, personally, wouldn't use it on an actual project but you'll have to decide that for yourself.
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 1507
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Posted on: 2/13/06 5:02 PM ET
If I had that stash, I would first do a test drive. There aren't very many torture tests you can subject a thread to that exceed the stresses it undergoes along the thread path of a sewing machine. If you get unacceptable performance, you can probably assume this thread is dead. It wouldn't hurt to try any of the hydrating tips that get passed around on sewing boards, but I have my doubts about whether you can successfully revive dead thread.

Remember, age alone is not a true indication of thread "life". Storage environments matter more. And dehydration is only one hazard that can affect thread health - moist environments encourage rot, mold, and other fatal conditions.

But I'd still try it out. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, pass it along to a "fibre artist" who can devise alternate uses for it.

Jennifer in Calgary
  
Member since 4/4/02
Posts: 7876
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Posted on: 2/13/06 5:41 PM ET
I just wanted to add that you may not notice any problems until after washing. A few years ago I embroidered some golf towels with rayon thread that must have been old. After washing, the thread was in tatters. I switched to poly not long after. :-)
  
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