This is only my uneducated opinion....but I would not use yarn that old. I would use Pearl cotton which is a heavier thread on a spool that is faster and easier to work with as opposed to embroidery floss. Cotton crochet thread would be another easy to use option.

I also recommend that you cut the ties very close, like 1/4" so they could not present a choking hazard to the baby.

I don't think I would trust the yarn either. If you want to use it combine a strand of pearl cotton with the yarn. Be sure to cut them short like Teresa said, don't want anyone to choke or get the strings wrapped around little fingers.

beverly

Until the fire I had sweaters that were at least 25 years old and some afghans that were 40 years old. They were fine with no apparent problem. You will be using the yarn in a different manner with different stress put on it.

Is it the fiber natural or man-made? They age differently. Cut off a 2-3 foot piece, wrap each end around your hands and try to pull it apart. If it pulls apart easily don't use it. If you can't pull it apart then it might work. After all you're only holding the quilt layers together. The quilt won't get the same kind of stress as the seat of a tight pair of pants gets when the wearer bends over or sits down.

Would it be possible to do a tack stitch then use the yarn and tie at that spot? That way the yarn isn't responsible for holding the quilt together, but could still be used for sentimental reasons. It may disinigrate after washing, and I realize it would be more work, but....

Kelly (Nebraska/England)

Thanks everyone. I think I will combine it with a string of pearl cotton. The old stuff is nylon and some is acrylic. The more I think about it the less I worry because I have quilts that are 30+ years old that are tied with yarn and have been washed hundreds of times that are still holding up. But I will mix with pearl cotton to be extra safe.