Leaders and enders have worked for me. But a wise quilter friend encouraged me to spend the money for a straight stitch plate for my 30 year old Bernina. I argued with her for about a year and then gave in. What a difference it makes. If you can get one for your machine I highly recommend it. I have never in all my years of sewing on different machines had a straight stitch plate. Now I won't own a machine without one.