Let’s talk about the shelf life of threads + how best to store and care for your thread collection.
Watch the short video below for a quick run down on thread health and storage then read on for a few more tips and stories related to my thread journey (including the thread I use).
If stored appropriately thread can last for decades, but its lifespan varies depending on the material and storage conditions. High-quality polyester thread, like I use in my artworks, can last for many years, even decades, while natural threads like cotton or silk may degrade more noticeably in just a few years. Exposure to temperature changes, moisture and sunlight can significantly shorten the lifespan of any thread.
In my experience problems with ‘old’ thread often arise from thread that has been ‘handed down’ or ‘gifted’ and you don’t know how old it is or how it has been stored.
I have a heap of old cotton spools in my studio that came from my Grandmother. I’m pretty sure they originally belonged to my great grandmother because while my Nanna was many wonderful things, she wasn’t a sewer. These beautiful old spools are lovely items to own for many reasons and I have them on display in a glass bell jar in my studio - but I would NEVER attempt to use the thread for any sewing. I know these threads are at least 50 years old (probably older) and would be very brittle. They would likely break like crazy when in use and cause all kinds of headaches.
While my Nanna’s threads are obviously ‘vintage’ (those beautiful wooden spools are a dead giveaway), when it comes to newer threads it can be difficult to know how they will perform from sight alone. But there are a few things you can do to check their suitability.
My Grandmothers thread collection is displayed in a bell jar in my studio - but I would never attempt to use this thread for actual sewing.
Quality is important. When it comes to thread I have learnt that you really get what you pay for and quality is important. Quality thread will not only perform better in your sewing machine but it will also tend to have a longer ‘shelf life’.
I first started exploring this embroidery technique during the honours year of my Fine Arts degree. I was a poor university student and I was on a tight budget. So when it came to buying thread I would baulk at the ‘expensive’ spools of better known thread brands, instead I purchased a big range of multicolour thread packs off Ebay for what felt like a bargain price. II thought I was investing in a wonderful range of threads that would see me through the whole honours year and beyond - but alas, most of the thread was rubbish. Some colours worked fine but others would snap and break every two seconds. it was like an awful (un)lucky dip every time I tried a new colour and it drove me crazy.
Needless to say I learn my lesson and now only work with threads from reputable brands that I have tried and tested in my work.
The break test. Something that I like to do when faced with a new spool or type of thread that I am not familiar with (this could be either thread I am considering buying in a shop or thread that students bring into a workshop with them) I will do a quick break test. basically I will hold a small length of the thread between both hands and give it good tug. If the thread snaps really easily that is a big red flag and I know that thread will likely cause problems at the machine. If the thread takes a bit of pressure to snap (and don’t get me wrong, all thread will snap at some point with this test) that that is likely a good quality thread that is nice and strong and will perform well.
The sewing test. While the break test is a quick and easy way to seperate potential headache thread from potential winners, you really wont know how a particular thread will perform until you test it out in the way you intend to use it. So if you want to do freehand machine embroidery (like I do), you need to test that thread using that specific technique. If while sewing, the thread shreds or snaps repeatedly (and the rest of your machine setup is all correct) chances are that thread is a dud for that type of sewing activity and you need to find another use for it.
Storage: How you store your thread is also hugely important for its longevity. It’s a good idea to store threads in a cool, dry place like in a drawer, cupboard or opaque box.
I originally stored my thread collection in the drawers of my workbench, but as my collection grew, that setup became unpractical.
I originally stored my thread in the drawers of my workbench, but I quickly outgrew that setup.
If you can’t store your threads away in a drawer or cupboard, at the very least make sure thy are stored out of direct sunlight. The sun can not only fade your thread colours but it will also make the thread break down faster and reduce its shelf life.
I now store my threads in metal racks (from IKEA) and they work really well for convenience and accessibility. I can also see all of the colours easily which helps when putting together colour schemes. The trolleys are stored in a part of the studio that never gets direct sunlight and when i’m not in the studio the shutters are closed and the room is kept dark.
The photo below is an older shot from my old studio (back when I only have one trolley - I now have three), but you get the idea.
I currently store my thread in IKEA trolleys in an area of the studio that is out of direct sunlight.
So what thread do I use today?
I use a brand of thread called GEM, made by the Thai company RAPOS. My understanding is the this thread is largely used as an industrial thread so its not something you will find at your local sewing shop and it doesn’t seem to be available in all parts of the world (yet). I discovered the thread over 15 years ago at a craft fair and haven’t looked back. It’s great quality and seems to be very affordable. Since is is a thread that is designed for industrial operations it is only available in large 3000 meter cones, which wont suit everyone (you will need a thread stand if using regular domestic machine) but that suits me just fine as I go through a lot of thread. You can find more information about the thread and the various distributors at https://gem-thread.com
While I only work with then type of thread, some thread brands that my students swear by include: Mettler Polysheen 40 (Polyester Embroidery Thread), Robison Anton Super Strength (Rayon Embroidery thread) and New Brothread machine embroidery thread (available on Amazon).
What thread do you use and how do you store it? Let me know in a comment below.
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Thread loading and why it is important