DMC Thread
I know this may sound silly, does DMC thread go bad, get old and frail? I am getting ready to start an absolutely beautiful pattern and a lot of my DMC stash is up to 25 years old. I want it to turn our beautiful and last for a long time. For those who are interested it is on Herrschners web-site and is called Homeward Trail In Winder (SZ900020). One of the most beautiful patterns I have seen!
Posted by: tlmcdaniel on 10/17/14
I also have DMC that is "old". Occasionally, thread will fray & break; I have simply ended the stitches at that point & start w/ new pieces of thread.. have no problem with "color, density, etc"..
good stitching..
by: dbye468 on 10/17/14
I have had DMC floss for many years and it has ever gone bad on me. If I was doing such a special project that you are talking about I think that I would buy all new thread just in case. I have done that before on some of my projects. Some of the older floss can have a slightly different sheen to it so I have bought new floss just in case for a special project. Hope this helps.
by: syagel on 10/17/14
If I were you, I would just catch both ends between my fingers and pull or tug firmly to see if the floss still have it's strength. Sometimes older floss will lose it's strength after a lengthy storage. I know some of mine did and I did not realize that until sewing with it and I gave it a firm tug, it broke into.

Good Luck.
by: jclifford on 10/17/14
Yes, it does. A friend received tons of it from her mother in law and it was probably 25 years old. It all but fell apart. Her m in l lived in Hawaii so I don't know if the climate had something to do with it. Doubtful.
I agree with the other ladies in that I would buy all new. I've worked on one project for several years off and on and when I ran out of one color ( can't recall the number right now, sort of a light mint green) it was a totally different hue. Luckily it wasn't noticeable because of the way the pattern was laid out. From that experience forward, I always make sure that I have enough to complete a project when using from my stash.
I'm glad that you asked that question, I need to check my stash and possibly get rid of old "stuff".
Floss is relatively inexpensive and it would be a shame to invest so much time and money just to realize that there is a problem.
by: Texas Stitcher on 10/18/14
Don't know if it was DMC, but I inherited a granny afghan, maybe 75 years old, squares joined with floss. The yarn was fine, but the floss had rotted. These Colonial samplers are stitched with cotton floss too, so maybe climate or cotton-loving moths are the problem.
by: jlhewes on 10/18/14
Good point, jl, haven't thought about moths. I've noticed that the more something is used the better it holds up.
by: Texas Stitcher on 10/18/14
I also have DMC thread that is over 25 years old. This past fall i found one box of bobbins damp to touch WE have moisture in late fall in Indiana. Open all 4 boxes laid out all dried in air for over 1 week , Both sides ,,, reused boxes ,but thus time I took off plastic lids & stacked them flat on shelf in a closet I have remade to shelves No door just a curtain up , so far every one is dry. Once every 4 years, I have a care giver go to our shop with me in my wheel chair & we see what color has been deleted or changed .color . Our store is JoAnn's . I always check in at customer service & have had no problem .Have been in chair for 6 years so i do this a lot On 2-18-18
by: archdottyanded3447 on 02/19/18