by Carol Arthur
Thread on wooden spools is it better or worse than new thread?
+9
7 answers
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![Mis23247387]()
Mis23247387
on Dec 25, 2017
The thread on wooden spools is perfect for 100% cotton fabrics or any other fabrics without stretch. It's stronger than new thread but has little stretchability.New thread is mostly polyester and stretches well. -
![Nancy Turner]()
Nancy Turner
on Dec 25, 2017
Whatever the difference is, it is not as durable as the old thread I remember. It seems like so many things are not made to last these days. Even appliances that used to last twenty years don't last even half as long anymore.- See 2 previous
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![Molly Anmar]()
Molly Anmar
on Dec 25, 2017
Mfgrs haven't used wooden spools in decades and threads containing natural fibers (cotton) will gradually rot.A good quality thread that is produced today will last much longer than thread which was produced 15 or 20 years ago. Even the best quality cotton thread of a generation ago did not have the advanced processing techniques available to us today and it would probably be best to not sew or quilt with old thread that exists today.However, a high-quality cotton thread that is manufactured today, like MasterPiece and King Tut, will probably be fine to use in 40 or 50 years from now.Why will threads that are manufactured today last longer than threads manufactured 20 years ago? The difference is due to the advancements in spinning, dyeing, and twisting technology and the evolution of genetic engineering better cotton plants. Because cotton is a natural fiber, it will degrade over time. A good test to check whether or not the cotton threads you have been given are OK to use in your machine is to hold about a one foot section between both hands and pull apart. If the thread snaps (you should feel a nice, crisp break), then it is OK to use. If the thread just separates and pulls apart easily (think of pulling a cotton ball apart), we don't recommend using it.As for polyester thread, the color may fade over the years with exposure to sunlight, but there is no evidence that the thread deteriorates like cotton threads, so it's safe to say that synthetic fibers will last longer.https://youtu.be/Co52M_uk1Zc![]()
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![Mis23247387]()
Mis23247387
on Dec 25, 2017
@Nancy TurnerYou are so right. We live in a disposable world. Lower quality products so we have to purchase more. -
![TAMMY SPALSBURY]()
TAMMY SPALSBURY
on Dec 25, 2017
Use the synthetic thread it's strong and lasts fore -
![Carol Arthur]()
Carol Arthur
on Dec 25, 2017
Thank you for your assistance in resolving my issue. -
![M. M..]()
M. M..
on Dec 25, 2017
I disagree with some of this. I have purchased cotton thread on wooden spools every time I see it, thrift stores, garage sales, etc.. It really depends on how the previous owner stored it and the level of quality of the original manufacturer...Since I sew mostly fabric in natural fibers,I like to find 100%cotton, silk, linen, etc. I always test a thread by breaking a small piece in my fingers and looking at the break. I have some 60 year old linen thread that I cannot break with my fingers, it's still as strong as the day it was made. Yes, it's true that wood is not archival. But I have not had a problem with old thread. At most,I have to unwind the top layer because the color may have faded a bit. Synthetic threads will cut through garments,esp with machine washing and drying. I'd love to have your wooden spools with thread on them! Are you serious about getting rid of them?!?
Mis23247387
on Dec 25, 2017
Nancy Turner
on Dec 25, 2017
Molly Anmar
on Dec 25, 2017
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