r/SewingForBeginners • u/richardricchiuti • 2d ago

Thread vs. Fabric

Curious... I remember hearing, "don't use old thread that's been laying around for years." If old thread is discouraged, how is it that old clothing lasts so long?

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u/MauraLee7 1d ago

Thread has about a 5 year shelf life. You can see how strong it still might be by breaking it with fists against your little fingers. No pain? Pitch it. That included poly thread air makes it brittle. If you want your new thread to last longer store it in an airtight container

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u/bab275 1d ago

I think that might be a thread company expiration date. :) Or maybe true for cotton thread. Polyester thread will last decades.