Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mamahoogie
Date: 06-18-2005, 01:19 PM (1 of 9)
|
My sister was given a large box of serger thread, some of it looks quite old, some not. She does not have a serger so she gave it to me. I pulled on each one and the ones that snapped right away I put to one side. I figured they must be old and brittle but when I look at them, they seem very thin, even for serger thread. Not sure I want to use them. What do you serger owners think? Should I toss the ones that seem to break easily or is there some way to put strength (moisture) back into them or is some serger thread just that thin? Thanks Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-18-2005, 01:32 PM (2 of 9)
|
Violet , Regular serger thread is a much lighter weight than regular sewing thread.. Read the labels .. Read a Maxi-Lock label.. A & E makes it and they are top quality.. If the thread breaks when you tug it, I would not use it.. I can break serger thread, but it is not easy, believe me.. Try it on a good cone and see what happens.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: mamahoogie
Date: 06-18-2005, 05:05 PM (3 of 9)
|
That was my thinking too which is why I seperated the ones that gave no resistence when I tugged on the thread as opposed to the ones that were harder to break. I must admit the difference between all of them was significant, (all different makes though) some I could hardly break, some broke but with a good tug and others just snapped - the ones I think are going to the wastebasket. thanks for your input Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 06-18-2005, 06:37 PM (4 of 9)
|
I've heard of people putting thread in the freezer to give it back some moisture. I haven't tried it myself though. I don't have any thread old enough!
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
|
User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
|
From: June Harlow
Date: 06-18-2005, 07:58 PM (5 of 9)
|
I've found that thread molds easily when it's stored under the wrong conditions. Usually any thread that comes on a wooden bobbin or a cardboard core is quite old, and should be suspect. I'd recommend getting rid of the spools that snap easily. In my case, I always sew first on the sewing machine, then I go to the serger and serge a 3 thread overlock about 1/8" away from the sewing line. When I do that I've found that I can use all sorts of "marginal" serger threads in the two loopers for non-critical applications. I just make sure that there's good, fresh thread feeding the serger needle. June ~
"If only I could find that missing pattern piece!" June sews on a Pfaff 1209 and a Babylock 5180 serger |
User: June Harlow
Member since: 05-30-2005 Total posts: 100 
|
From: paroper
Date: 06-18-2005, 10:43 PM (6 of 9)
|
When I first started sewing on a serger in 92, Maxi Lock was considered to be the best. I was told that there were lots of poor to marginal brands out there, but to stay with the ML brand. I purchased several spools, some of which I still have. Iver the years I have amassed quite a stash of thread. They have been stored in sealed containers out of natural light and I use them frequently. I've never had a problem with any of them. I use them in my serger and my machine. I too serge the edges and sew the seams. I would think that if the thread seems to be good, it probably is, but since you don't know much about the threads, I agree that your best bet might be to sew the seams with something else and use this where there is no strain on the thread of possible. Some of the newer Maxi Lock cones have a brand name on them.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-17-2005, 04:51 AM (7 of 9)
|
I had quite a bit of old thread I asked my sewing machine dealer about and she said often it loses its moisture content and to just try to get some of it back . Someone in the thread mentioned the freezer but I'm not sure how much moisture you would get that way. Perhaps depending upon the environment where you live, you could just leave it out in the open if you have any humidity and that would help, or in the bathroom (not for a long time). Not sure that i've been helpful.  Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Marty Sews
Date: 07-21-2005, 01:11 AM (8 of 9)
|
Hi all, I don't know if this would work or not but would be worth a try at least as I used to use it for really dried out bread like stuff that was hard as a rock. I would put in a half a cup or less of water in with the bread and heat it up for about a minute depending on the microwave, it sure worked wonders on the bread, might do the same for thread also. Martin |
User: Marty Sews
Member since: 07-19-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-21-2005, 07:14 AM (9 of 9)
|
I don't know that I would heat the thread spools. They probably aren't made for that use. If you were to try it, I'd heat the water in the microwave. LET THE MICROWAVE SHUT DOWN and then add the thread spools and let them sit together. The small space would allow the thread to absorb the steam. I don't know if it would work or not, you might just end up with mildewed thread in a couple of days. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-16260.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft