If I can pull the thread or strands of floss and they break easily, I trash them unless on wooden spools and they become decorations in my sewing room. I inherited my grandmothers and mothers stashes; some threads could easily be 80 years old. These include antique and vintage pins, vintage safety pins, mourning pins, hat pins, veil pins, threads, linen twine, vintage floss, vintage embroidery thread and more. My grandfather sold fabric and thread wholesale, so I inherited a stash of thread, as well as needles and stuff antiques. Should I even worry about it? Im 66 years old and I have the silk thread my mother used to embroider some baby clothes, a baby quilt and pillow(yes they put pillows in with babies back then) and Ive been wondering if they could be used. While youre on the subject of threads, what is the best way to store them? And then there is the definition of oldrecently manufactured cheap thread that is out in the light and the heat and generally abused might not be as good as a meticulously stored 50 year old spool of Corticelli silkI test each thread before starting a project, and I like using older ones in some cases as it creates a certain look and feel that is not available with newer products. Totally agree. MaryAnn. It has not been in the sun. Old rotten threads could be saved for stuffings, they still have a use even if its not for stitching. how old are the threads that we purchase. What do you think Mary? When can you be certain of thread rot? Depending upon the wishes of the client I sometimes use these threads, but most of the time I use new threads and will stabilize old fabrics with interfacing put behind them if they are frail. What is the proper way to store embroidery floss? And well talk about that next time how to clean these not-new but still usable embroidery threads and make them ready for use. You might try soaking/washing your threads first in a solution of vinegar & water. It doesnt keep in a home setting. Theyre so beautiful and silky I keep it like a treasure, just opening it to admire the gems and rarely have I even thought about using them. However, one thing comes to mind: this deteriotation over time also affects finished projects! I have tried to do crewel and needlepoint with older Paternayan wool and it too rots (discolors and weakens/shreds). When it can no longer do what it was made to do. Even in the latter scenario, the thread does matter. I have to admit, most people who want to quilt or embroider or even knit and crochet have the use what youve got mentality still. I love to cross stitch and embroider and have floss boxes full of wonderful colors of floss, but these two books really touched me. This difference between old and new threads is magnified because these are white threads. Ive bought several Cathy Needlecraft Kits off the internet and the embroidery threads have been fine when I stitched them. You sent shivers down me spine this am! As a fabric recycler, I often get old threads delivered to me along with the old clothes I use to make quilts or pillows out of as family keepsakes. Oh Mary, I would never toss my old threads! The thread didnt show signs of wear, but it kept breaking when I tried to slip it between the pearls. For years, I searched for another. Ive had to bite the bullet and get rid of them. In order to evaluate a thread one might find at an estate sale, etc., one must first know what the new thread would feel/look like. I have now problem with gold threads as well, I am afraid to use them and then they will be gone and I will miss them. It was quite a process. (But with new beads too, which is worse as they are more readily available, its often not a very limited supply left.) this sounds as beautiful to me as stopping the hands of a clock and keeping it that way when someone passes away. Karole King. But many were American Thread Co. , and their bands stated 3/10 cents. My husband will attest to my spending habits. But as with all things antique understand what it is, be gentle and test, test, test to get the best part of the skein or spool. I guess the bright side would be having to purchase new skeins! I just keep these old threads to look at and remember old times. Because age affects embroidery threads. And lets face it: most embroiderers of old did not store their threads with museum-like care, to ensure the longevity of the threads. As we are sifting and sorting I find myself wondering about the people behind the things and especially when I come across personal itemsphotos left behind, old letters, floral cards from someones funeral and, my most recent find, two hand-made fabric and cardboard booklets storing skeins of embroidery floss, one color per page. Your eyes may not detect this other problem, but it is there, at least in some degree or another. I just hate to see the poor threads go to waste so I adopt them anyway. I would love to know about in what years this floss sold that cheaply. I have also added some thread to a bobbin, and it was not the identical color to what was already there. If the threads are special in some way, I think it is well worth trying them out as long as you accept that the article may not last as long as if you used new threads. I found a pic in Martha Pullen book, Shawowwork Embroidery made easy, 1981. page 9, explaining how to remove thread from shein. I guess that goes for cotton machine thread. As a hoarder (through heritage) and green academic, I hate throwing things away if theres even a remote chance it could be useful for something, anything, especially things that have significant environmental impact when produced. As far as storage: In 1977 I purchased a metal box called: Jeans Floss Finder. So when Mary tells you to throw out the old, rotten threads, believe her. Over time, mercerized cotton can deteriorate at least in performance, and sometimes in look and quality. You just want to learn, and youll work on the art approach once the learning is done. OOPS! DMC Moline Special is Vintage and if it has been stored in its original box with tissue paper is the most gorgeous floss I have ever seen. It came with cardboard spools that you wind the thread around and mark the number on the top. Yup, I love to find stuff like threads at yard sales and second hand shops. Putting them in jar, displaying them, casting them in resin anything to use them until they literally disintegrate. Colors look bright now. But will it deteriorate faster because it is on cardboard in plastic? Im exactly the same! I have a difficult time throwing things like that away. I am a hoarder but not pathological. Now I can throw out that life long collection of badly stored boxes of old thread! And another substance adhering to a thread like this is just one more thing that hastens rot. Not to be found anywhere. Angie Duffie. Your article on old threads was very helpful. Wouldnt hurt to try them they may be fine! happy New Year, Mary. And if youve been reading Needle n Thread a while, you probably gather that I like needlework books, and Im attracted to good embroidery scissors. Theyre unique to me and, also, its the box and threads as a whole thats a treasure to me, a memento of a person I knew and little piece of (modern) history. I have grand daughters that like making friendship bracelets, so I dont feel like I wasted my money. linen, thats the main reason I bought it because even fine, it is strong. Old threads weaken over time and dry out (or in some cases, they can develop, depending on how theyre stored). If you want to chat the subject up a bit, feel free to leave a comment below! I think the floss was not even 5 years old, but at the time, It was such a great deal. As I learned, no it isnt. Heck, most of us dont do that today! You probably guessed it. And not feel bad about tossing if bad. You can use Biz to clean silk embroidery..just wash in very diluted, rinse well with cool water and fan dry so it dries quickly you can roll it gently in a towel first. so glad people out there still use then and enjoy them! Poor materials or tools can be very discouraging. I like the system, and I dont even mind winding the thread on the cards. All Rights Reserved.Terms of UsePrivacy & Disclosure. I also have found there is often a moldering kind of smell that goes along with it that cannot be washed out,yes, I have tried. And I do use them. This doesnt stop me from occasionally collecting them or buying them especially if I have hopes that they might be salvageable, and I know I cant get them new, any other way. I have bought and used old (40-50 year old) embroidery linen (flax) thread since 2009, and its been as new, no difference. If you have a label you could scan it to them and ask them to check to see if they can tell how old they are. I guess I should throw out my MILs old threads. Felt guilty about doing that. It looks similar to a tackle box. I swear by it. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, Aunt Martha's Embroidery Patterns, Transfers, Other Hand Embroidery Patterns & Instructional Media, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, "DMC 117-310 Mouline Stranded Cotton Six Strand Embroidery Floss Thread, Black, 8.7-Yard", DMC Gc001 StitchBow Plastic Floss Holder 10-pack 072641, 2 DMC Cebelia 50g Size 20 Blanc Crochet Thread, 24 Big Spools Sewing Thread Polyester Assorted Colors 2400 Yards Each Spool USA, DMC Six Strand Embroidery Cotton 8.7 Yards Medium Light Shell Pink Between 223 &224 117 152, HM Textile Peacock Cone Machine Embroidery Thread 3000 M #n1116 Light Dusty Rose, DMC Six Strand Embroidery Cotton 8.7 Yards Variegated Delft Blue 117 121. I did find another metal box that was exactly the same dimensions but a different color. But on the other hand, they are rarely usable for anything. The sheen on it is gorgeous, and having been kept in the original paper wrappers, it still looks bright and clean. I make trim with them! Now I know. I agree with you that throwing away old floss is a lesson to learn. Vintage Passementerie carries a vast collection of pins and threads to complete your projects. It has two shelves. All the time,effort,love,etc. Age affects embroidery threads even more so if they are not meticulously stored with the intention of delaying the Absolute Certainty of the effects of age on the threads. Formulas for dyes change all the time, as technology improves or as environmental concerns come to light. And it is also true of needlework threads, needles, fabrics: the whole kit and caboodle. Just purchased a 1971 vintage Erica Wilson kit on ebay. When, in general, is thread considered old? Add a few strands of a complimentary Kreinik and use some of that or a scrap of gimp trim to wrap the top of the tassel and suddenly those elder threads get to go out with a bit of dignity instead of ending up in the bin. But first we must know what too easily feels like for that particular thread in new condition. I am looking for very old DMC embroidery thread,, 1980 showing ladies hands on the label. Hahaha. I can gaze upon them and fondle to my hearts content but dare not use now? I always use fresh batting and backing, just as I would always use fresh ground fabrics unless the family wants something specifically made out of what they bring me. The embroidery thread is just terrible. Oh how painful. How would you suggest storing threads/kits to minimize rot? I make mostly tiny projects, only using small amounts of thread in many different colors (and usually no pattern); so Used Lots of thread- especially interesting specialty thread-can be very tempting. Its what happens when the mind gets old. My purchase and only available threads would be a JoAnn Fabrics or possibly a Michaels store, and as a last resort, to order via the Internet. My father designed and put together the die that cut the bobbins. But if you have old threads, and if they feel stiff, if they lack the suppleness that they had when new, if they have discolored with age, if they have little bits of brittleness here and there, if they feel thin or delicate compared to the same thread, new, chances are, theres a bit of thread rot already going on. Havent tried it yet but it looks fine. I certainly read with much interest your article today regarding old embroidery threads. Something that future generations will treasure? Many are unlabeled, many are from companies that are no longer in business. Secret Garden Embroidery Flowers 5 & 6-ish. As you say why would you want to use really old thread when which rots when you can buy new thread relatively cheaply added to this the texture and lustre is better on new thread then very old thread, its a shame though especially if its a really loved relative who has left embroidery thread, still I suppose they are nice just to keep and look at now and again. I totally agree with you on old thread and its decomposing. Just came across your Thread Talk article as I was researching old embroidery flossdont know if a comment is still welcome or will go through, but here goes! Butover time, thread rots. They are just fine for for making into tassels or twisted cord trim on a Christmas ornament. I get this question, or some similar version thereof, a lot: I have all my grandmothers embroidery threads from however-many-years-ago, and I want to know if I can still use them? I really want to sell them but would anyone want them? Now I check my silk couching thread by giving it a little tug before I start. Are plastic bags or plastic tubs ok or should I try a cloth bag? I have some older floss and this is valuable information. I learned this while quilting. Im sorting right now through a lot of my collection of embroidery-related things that Ive kept for a long time, that I know have no use to me or anyone else. I wrap mine around those little plastic square things and store in a plastic divided case with compartments? I often set out little bits of thread that arent long enough to use near our backyard feeders. I just got some needlework & sewing items from my MomIll remember to give a tug-test before using. Can you email me at mary(at)needlenthread(dot)com. Sometimes I have felt a little disappointed to have to pass up old thread found at a good price. Im sure theres someone out there can think of some way to repurpose it or something, but Id be inclined, I think (eventually) to throw it away. Knowing that I enjoy cross stitching, friends of mine saved a large box full of embroidery floss that had been dropped off at our local senior center. If you are learning, dont learn on something that is going to cause you frustration and grief, something thats going to fall apart on you, something thats going to give you inferior results. Yes, thread manufacturing has changed over the years. I have been slapped in the face with the dead fish of reality! Through the years I have had to deal with clients that have used aged stash in a piece of canvas or counted embroidery. Woolite for darker colors works well. It was difficult to get to this mindset because I come from a background of use what youve got. Then dont use old threads because none of the above will happen. Not using second-rate materials when you are learning or practising is crucial. Can I clean them and use them? Beautiful idea! Is your intention to embroider something that you can enjoy for years to come? Hi, Chris if theyve been stored well, youre probably ok. Im talking about haphazardly stored old threads, that are obviously showing signs of age. For many years, I meticulously added all the new colors DMC had to offer. They came in a lingerie box with a boys confirmation stock & a little hand sewn gauze bag. Id probably go with new threads, if you can match them. I asked her what paints she was using and she told me she always used artist-quality paints from a reputable manufacturer. The North of France used to be the region specialized in textile weaving and all related industries. Thanks so much for any ideas you have. And there is only one explanation I am afraid that I wont have them around when the project will come. The thread is already on its way out. Now I`ll step down from my soapbox. A quilter acquaintance who was moving gave me a bag of embroidery floss.I tried using one red skein and noticed that the threads disintegrated as I tried separating the strands. But starting in the 1960s many old family factories went out of business because of competition from huge manufacturers (old story!) But Im still unable to pass up a bargain when I see a bag of floss at the thrift shop. We make 2-5 projects a year each. Monograms: The Art of Embroidered Letters Winner! I am completing some of the work my Mother didnt finish as keepsakes for her granddaughters The items will be worked as pictures, framed & protected so I do expect them to last for a long time to come. This was sewing thread, not floss. I know I am straying from the point again but it is relevant. They look really old. Hi I am still in search of this fine floss. Id love to hear about the patterns! It was my mother-in-laws and was stored above a closet in thread trays. It was a slide box (photo). Oh no! I will purchase floss that has been stored in sealed plastic bags. This is an Absolute its a fact, and, in fact, for the rest of this article to make sense, you have to be willing to accept this fact. If youre putting a lot of time into these projects and making things that you want to last over time, it might be worth investing in new thread colors. LOL) Thanks so much for your answer to my question. Also Thread Magic is the best thread condtioner for cross stitching. The only idea of what could be done with it is to give it to children to use as string that would be thrown away in time anyway. I once bought a full box of 24 spools of linen sewing thread for 35! It makes me sad and very greeedeee . Thread rots. We expect to use the threads we have. The rayon (art silk) filament is fragile, though, and the perle-style rayon thread falls apart at the slightest friction. Mom was very careful about keeping the threads clean and protected. It breaks, tangles,and colors always fade. These items had belonged to the owners mother and grandmother, so some go back quite a few years! The colors are richer and the threads are quality beyond what they are making now. They are so pretty ! They were not the same color! When people buy my work, however, they want something that will not disintegrate or smell bad right away! And if I have a chance I will buy vintage beads but I will never use them. Happy stitching! I have quite a stash of rather old goods from the late 1800s to early 1900s. I inherited my Grandmothers old floss and never used it because it was old and probably fragile, I thought I was just being silly but I can see that I was justified in my decision. NEW red floss bleeds too Connie! Great article. When it breaks too often at the eye of the needle. Is there a guideline for what age thread would be generally usable, and at what age thread should generally be passed on? Of course, if you were going to use them in a white work piece in conjunction with new threads, perhaps you would have to match them to ecru. The cotton seems to have held up fine and Im happy to use it, stranded/floss, floche, broder, perle and crochet/lace. It certainly stays clean and organized. 10 centimes le compartment Aux Armes de France. Thank you for all your info! Otherwise it is just frustrating to work with. The Browns are unaffected. I inherited a lot of embroidery floss from both my grandmothers and most of it Im still able to use. Thank you once again. How do you answer purchasing threads today. You answered my question about old embroidery thread exactly the way I would have thought. So- I better put everything to good use while I can, better not think about leaving things for future generations! It protects the flossmakes it a breeze to separate and preserves the colors. Set up in 1865 and holding the registered trade mark until the 1950s. In the long run, I think its better than amassing a collection of goods that no one will ever see, that I can do nothing with, and that takes up space. I wonder what they were working on when it was put away for the last time? I inherited some lovely filament silk thread that belonged to my mother-in-laws mother-in-law and is probably from the 1920s or 30s. I am sure there must be some online stores but for those of us who do not do as much embroidering, how do we know the age of those threads? Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Because of the experience in quilting I have the same habit in my embroidery. Im a hoarder and hate throwing out but have noticed that some old embroidery thread has discoloured not realizing that it was rotting so next on my list will be to throw out any old stained thread. All of this floss is stored in their boxes inside a wooden trunk. eBay and Etsy have a lot of vintage floss for sale as well as discontinued colors. Or should I just avoid those tempting used lots altogether? As far as vintage floss, I buy the DMC floss in the original boxes which have tissue paper around them. I found this so interesting. Thanks for letting me ask possibly the current In the photo directly above, Ive placed two new skeins of heavier coton a broder in blanc (not the 5200 bright white thats available today, but just regular, everyday white) on top of the old skeins, so that you can perhaps see the difference between the old and the new. Several years ago I had an unfortunate experience using OLD floss on a redwork project. If you would like pictures as to what I have described please email me. The embroidery threads are a different story. Its an extra step that takes time away from stitching, plus you need to pre-plan rather than just pick up your floss & go. She so enjoyed her time putting together and selling the floss finders. I have an old box of coton a borderer with the old label of Clark Anchor. So washed them in Dawn and air dried really fast dry here in NM. Another student managed to have beautiful passages of green lawn while mine were patchy and horrible. With one exception. And dyeing was different 40 years ago. Speaking generally, DMC cotton floss is not too expensive here in the US. I use only high quality quilting threads for my quilts and I always have leftover spools. As one beader I know said, were magpie-dragons: attracted to shiny objects and then we hoard them like the dragon its treasures. I have some very antique Dmc and Royal threads that Id like to rehome. I just found this article, and thought it was very interesting. Most were DMC of various age (determined by the changes in bands). Its the Owls on a Tree kit. What the heck, itll probably end up in some landfill someday anyway, but there is a chance one of my daughters might like to keep it. I get lots of left overs from others. Thread is not really my scene but I loved the cards these were on. In other words, its rotten. ..but the linen was ok, right? Ive bought old thread (and old yarn) fully aware it might not be useable. I have also bought some DMC white coton broder in an unopened box. To this day, I would bet I have about 90% of the color collection. I Should mention that I wanted this kit when it came out in 1971. I dont want to name names, but colorfast on the label is no guarantee that your thread wont bleed on your project. You probably wont be able to solve the problem. Its just not worth it. :>). But those older threads are giving me and others problems with knotting. Mary, I am 100% in agreement with your assessment of old threads. Bought a whole bag of sewing threads at an antique show and the outer layer was dirty, but figured I could peel that away and have clean threads to work with. Or does this describe you: Youre practicing stitching, having a little fun with crafty embroidery and the like, and you dont really plan on the piece lasting forever realizing that what youre doing is just passing fancy, but youre having fun learning how to do it, so the thread doesnt matter. A lot of times I dont see how old they are till I get them home and try to match the colors with what I have already. Old threads that are beyond using, things like that. Ill wait until after tomorrows post to dig them out. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching the work of your hands and heart literally fall apart. I just purchased several boxes from an eBay seller and I was very fortunate to find these 1500 + skeins in their original cases for $150.00. My guess it had to have been in the 1960-70s. I plead guilty to buying old thread on ebay! Great article! I have a question: are todays embroidery threads different than old (50 years) embroidery threads? That is hard! To my dismay, I have used or tried to use some old floss for a project or two. Learned a lot from your article. The crochet yarns feel like a waste to just have lying around. Dont use that 75-year-old cotton floss you found in your neighbors attic spend 50 or $1.00 on a new skein. I am thinking of some I have encountered over time that seemed to have gotten almost felted. Your email address will not be published. Hi, Janet Ahhhh. Or: I found a whole stash of embroidery threads for a really good price at an estate sale and I bought them. We recently purchased a home that is not so oldbut had many old and vintage items left in the garage storage area. I learned, however, that the thread had no strength; as you say, it looks OK, but it wont hold a button on a shirt for long. . Something New, Small, and Blue and Scissors! Hand Embroidery Lessons & Step-by-Step Projects, Church / Ecclesiastical Embroidery Patterns, Stitch Tip: Its Ok to Swap Threads Midstream. Good articlebut I feel it all depends on each skein and its particular condition as well as what you want to make with itIve couched down 80 year old very tender metal threads with new silk because it created a certain look. some silk, some cotton, also several partially worked pieces which my mother started before, during & just after the second world war fortunately for me they were all in a camphour wood box, wrapped in tissue They smell wonderful,feel fine, & of course they match the unfinished pieces. Who processed it? Looking forward to reading your emails Thank you, Pat/San Antonio, Tx. Sometimes just removing the outer layer of thread on the skein/spool will yield something that is useable inside. Pretty much works the same way as my husband took the time and cut out the spools from chipboard that he painted white for me. And I am sure it will go in the trash eventuallyI just cant bring myself to dispose of it yetso I will clean it up with a damp cloth the best I can and continue to wonder and marvel at the creativity of people! Age has taken its toll, and the thread has begun to decompose. Thank you for posting this info. The threads the average embroiderer would have used forty or fifty years ago (or more), and that the average person (you and me, foraging about for threads) would find at estate sales, in attics, in old stock from old stores, and so forth. As a custom needlework finisher, I can agree with your thoughts on the use of aged threads in a new piece. And if you store them well, someone else will eventually throw them away, I think. My older floss from the 80s and 90s, all DMC, is knotting every ten stitches or so. Shop Vintage Passementerie on line atEtsy, eBay or our physical store at theMonticello Antique Market Placein Portland, OR. I often say, I have a Thing about needlework books. Or I have a Thing about good embroidery scissors.. The other problem I have are cross stitch quick kits (think Chirstmas ornaments), that have thread from China. Something went wrong. They look at me with glassy eyes and mouth hanging open when I want to discard my old stash. I am clearing out her things and wonder if you know anyone who would like them. I have had a thought (dangerous ground) as to Thanks. Your photos of the discolouration and stains really proves your point on old threads, in your comparative photos its amazing the difference in colour when compared to the new threads which probably isnt noticable on their own. OTOH, if I found a bunch of silks, Id be hard pressed to toss those Id probably wind them nicely on something and use them for display only. It is set in a box labeled Clark & Co. Paisley (Scotland)? Now I know what to look for. Your email address will not be published. In defense of the manufacturer, however, so many dye compounds are banned, its a wonder we have some colors at all. I used it to stitch a little decorative piece for my own enjoyment, and I really enjoyed using threads that had traveled through the generations of the family. The red floss was so old it was not colorfast. Thank you for any help or advice for this issue. I started cross stitching in 1977. I will be quick! I could not afford it then but would love to work it now. If it breaks too easily, I know that thread has not been stored adequately enough to preserve its strength. And they didnt do it 50, 75 or 100 years ago, either, because they expected to use their threads, too. This looks and feels like a stain from another substance not just discoloration from contact with something. The fact is, I dont really like them the same way. I dont know about rot, but its not strong like modern cotton thread (and most today is even stronger because it is partly synthetic). it might be fun to hold onto something vintage and it might even have sentimental value, but do not use it. I really think your best bet would be trying to match the colors & types of threads as much as possible, and using new threads. It is awful to behold. Thread rot! But I use these only for greeting cards and such, as you said, for things that dont need to last generations. View cart for details. Although an awful lot of them are weak and unsuitable for embroidery, they still have a chance.