Though it may seem like a good idea to buy a box of vintage thread at a ridiculously low price, it may actually be counterproductive to your sewing goals. Like all good things in life, thread can’t last forever. Though it may look fine, thread can get too old to work properly, leading to breakage and uneven coloring. However, there is no set expiration date for every spool of thread. Many different variables affect how long thread lasts, including the quality of the thread, the thread’s exposure to the elements, the spool’s material, and the thread’s material. You may not be able to determine whether a spool is still good based on how old it is alone, but there are other ways to test whether the thread can still be used. We have a few sections below that will go over everything you need to know about thread, so take a look and find what you would like to know. Sign Up For More Free Patterns