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You may think that swing thread is for life and buying a big bulky stock for your home sewing is a good idea but things can go opposite as well. Some people love buying vintage sewing thread and this is even riskier as they are already too old and you may not be able to know how long it is going to last.
Many people wonder whether sewing thread has a shelf life or how long does sewing thread last. Well, it is not that this thread is going to last forever as we all know that everything, no matter how good it is, has an end. Threads cannot last forever and they do have a shelf life but there is a lot more to know about this.
In this article, we will encompass all related aspects while talking about the factors that can affect the sewing thread’s life and also the tips that can help to enhance thread life to a certain extent. We will also mention how to determine the shelf life or life of a thread as the expiration date is not usually mentioned on the spool. OK, so, let’s get this started.
Does sewing thread have a shelf life?
Yes, sewing threads do have a shelf life even if it is not mentioned in any part of the spool or pack. It mainly depends upon the quality of thread and material used in manufacturing.
Also, external factors such as weather conditions, storage conditions, and atmosphere, play a role but its standard range is somewhere between 20 to 50 years.
Sometimes or some threads can break down even if they are a year or even a month old.
Does sewing thread go useless?
Yes, sewing threads can become too old to use and you should give proper attention while using a thread spool to analyze whether it is good enough to load on a sewing machine or needs to be thrown in the trash can.
This is the reason that using vintage thread is not much appreciated as it is too risky to use such threads on se sewing projects. However, if you test its quality and determine its longevity, you may use vintage or old threads as well.
Does cotton sewing thread rot?
Yes, cotton sewing thread can rot over time and the bad thing about this type of thread is that they absorb moisture very easily and rapidly while holding it for a longer time as well.
This thing can break down the fibers from inside resulting in the weak and brittle thread. It may also develop mold, grime, and stickiness with thread over time just because of water.
Does polyester sewing thread rot?
A polyester thread is ranked top as one of the most strong, most durable, sturdy thread with minimum to no shrinkage but still, it can rot with time. The thread is great in terms of resisting UV rays and doesn’t get affected much by water as well.
The thread usually rots if it is exposed to sunlight for a relatively long period and this thing can only happen if the polyester thread spool is placed in an open area instead of proper storage.
Does silk sewing thread rot?
Yes, although silk thread is one of the most durable threads, it is delicate as well. The silk can get badly affected by too much exposure to UV rays coming from sunlight.
Apart from this, dust and debris is also major enemy of this type of thread. It may take longer to get rot but will be quite fast than that of polyester thread.
Can you wash the sewing thread?
You can wash sewing thread but it is never a good idea especially when it is wounded on the spool. Washing can lose the thread tension which may result in a completely useless thread.
However, many people let the thread get dry and then use it on the sewing machine but it doesn’t usually move as smoothly as a new or unwashed sewing thread.
Also, moisture can badly affect sewing thread and if you wash and then let it stay in the drawer, you may end up with a thread of no further use.
How to determine if sewing thread is good?
Many factors can help you out in this regard and this is the reason that vintage thread is being used in cloth making all over the world.
It is always a good idea to analyze a sewing thread even with a couple of the below-mentioned factors to make sure that using those specific threads for your clothes will be a good decision.
Some major factors are briefly explained below.
1. Thread color
One of the easiest ways is to look at the thread color. If it is too old or exposed too much to the sunlight, the color will start to fade and look dull.
If this is the case with any thread spool, it is always a good idea to put the spool back and look for another one.
2. Grime & Sticky
Humidity or moisture is one of the worst enemies of any sewing thread as it can completely ruin it while making it useless as well.
Look closely for any grime, mold, or mildew on thread spools, especially if you live in an area where humidity remains at its peak.
Leave the thread outside if it seems weak, brittle, sticky, or has to mold even if a little bit.
3. Dusty thread
Dusty thread is a clear indication of the old thread. This is not only annoying and frustrating but causes issues in sewing as well.
While sewing, the dust is transferred from thread to the machine tools and discs which make it clog. This thing can slow down the sewing process making it time-consuming and requiring machine maintenance as well.
Although these are the top thing that can help you determine the quality and longevity of sewing thread, some other sub-factors can also be considered, mainly including:
- Poor storage
- Tangling thread
- Loosely wounded
- Exposed to UV ray
- Bleaching
- Disintegration
- Environmental factors
How to test the quality of sewing thread?
- Start by taking a small piece of thread (12-18 inches would be fine).
- Tie a solid knot in the middle of that thread.
- Take both ends of thread in either of your hands and hold them firmly.
- Pull both ends with gentle force while holding them with your one finger and thumb.
- If the sewing thread breaks easily, you should move on to another thread as it is just not worthy.
The thing is that thread cannot break easily or can not break at all when you pull it in that way, only if it is new and strong.
How long can sewing thread last?
Just like each sewing thread is unique in terms of material used and resistance to environmental factors, the exact estimation of their shelf life also varies.
Some threads may last for just 10 years while most can last more than 50 years as well. This thing will also be affected heavily by the weather conditions you live, store, and use sewing thread in.
Should I just throw away old sewing thread?
Old thread is not of any use and throwing it away is probably the only option if you don’t want to make crafts, arts, and unique objects. Another thing you can do is sell them to manufacturing companies for recycling.
Also, you can keep them at home as they can be used in various other activities especially when it comes to repairing different tools and machinery.
Can you restore the old sewing thread?
Yes, some ways can help you restore old sewing threads. The exact answer depends on the situation and condition of the sewing thread.
If the thread is old and only has a simple issue, it can be easily restored but if the sewing thread is rotted completely, you may never be able to restore it or it will be just a mess to work on.
How to restore bad sewing thread?
It depends on the condition of the sewing thread and why it has become bad. For example, if the sewing thread is dusty, you can blow air using a blower and see if the dust goes away. If the thread has moisture, you may put it on a cushion or pillow and let it stay for a day or two.
Doing so will absorb most of the moisture and make the thread good almost as it was before. If the sewing thread is too dry that it starts to break very often, placing it in front of a fan or outside environment for some time may help you out.
What affects sewing thread longevity?
Thread is made using different types of fibers using varying manufacturing procedures, so every thread is unique and the factors that can reduce its life are also varying.
However, if we give a short answer, many factors can affect the sewing thread longevity and major factors include:
- Quality of the thread
- Materials of the spool
- Thread fiber material
- Usability
- Exposure to sunlight or UV rays
- Humidity
- Storage conditions
- Weather conditions
- Dust and debris
How Long Does Sewing Thread Last
It is not like all sewing threads live for exactly or almost the same years because they differ in one aspect or another. Some are made using strong and durable fibers while others are just made using scrap material.
Many things contribute to the overall longevity of sewing thread but we can say that sewing thread lasts for a pretty long time. As far as the question is concerned, some threads last for just 10 years while others can live as long as 20, 30, 40, 50, or sometimes even more years as well.
Although all the major factors that may affect these aspects are mentioned earlier, we can conclude them all in one as well, “environmental factors”.
How do make sewing thread last longer?
Protecting sewing thread from environmental factors is probably the biggest thing you can do to make it last longer.
Thread can only become useless for its fibers and material in minimum cases while it gets rot mostly because of external factors.
Below are the best storage ideas that can help you protect, cut, and make it last longer without any additional effort or costs.
1. Dedicated drawers
Most people make the mistake of putting thread spools in drawers along with many other tools such as scissors, needles, pins, ribbons, etc. This thing results in nothing but tangled threads that become almost impossible to be used.
So, the best and the first thing you should do is to dedicate a drawer only to put sewing threads and nothing else. Doing so will prevent thread spools from getting tangled or loose at all.
2. Buy sewing thread racks
Thread racks are probably the most efficient thing for keeping your sewing threads safe and secure. Thread racks have many rows where you can place spools and they will be held properly.
You also have the option to buy a sewing thread rack that sits simply on a flat desk or you may hang it on some nails as well.
The only issue with the rack is that they are usually open which may collect dust and make thread age quickly. However, you can get this thing resolved by buying racks that have a moveable lid of glass or wood.
3. Invest in the thread box
Thread boxes are great to keep threads safe and away from dust and all such external factors as well. Thread box just like any other box comes with a proper lid that covers the threads while preventing any environmental factor from affecting it.
They come in a wide range of varieties where some are just flat while others include spool holders and multiple compartments as well. This thing makes it easier for you to keep threads organized and well stored.
What can I do with empty sewing thread spools?
Throwing sewing thread spools is never a good idea as it can be used for many kinds of crafts and related things. Some of the most creative things you can do include:
- Fidget items
- Handles for a sewed bowl
- Rubber band cars
- Necklace rack
- Snowman decoration
- Doll house furniture
- Gumball decoration
- Angel decoration
- Dolls
- Scrolls
- Advent calendar
- Photo holders
- Jewelry organizer
- Wreaths
- Play toys
- Stacking toys
- Bird toys
- Spool beaded curtain
- Coffee table
- Curtain ties
FAQs
Does embroidery thread have a shelf life?
Yes, embroidery threads have a shelf life and if you are buying vintage threads, there are possibilities that they may be too close to breaking down completely and becoming useless.
Any embroidery thread which is too old will have discoloring, weakness, and grime which can easily be seen. Just like sewing threads, embroidery threads’ shelf life also ranges between 10 to 50 years.
Can you sew clothes with vintage thread?
Yes, you can sew clothes with vintage thread and it is being done all over the world. The only risk is that some vintage threads may be too old that they start to break down after a couple of wears.
However, if you use thread after proper testing, these factors can easily be resolved as there are people who have used vintage threads for their clothes and wear them tens of times without facing any damage or breakage.
What can you do with old embroidery thread?
Just like sewing and embroidery have differences, so do their threads. An old embroidery thread may seem useless but it can be utilized if you think a bit creatively. The things you can do are easy as you can get things done while watching a simple youtube video.
- Clothespin embroidery floss storage
- Embroidered map artwork
- Pretty tassel chain necklace
- Hemp-wrapped flower jars
- Floss-wrapped flower jars
- Wrapped quote necklace
- Thread wrapped side combs
- Embroidered Chuck Taylors
- Embroidery tassel earrings
- Thread wrapped accessories
- Floss feather necklace
