I am thinking of trying the leaders and enders - my Brother machine has the auto cut - so I, too, don't feel like I am wasting. Sometimes at the beginning of a seam I will start down about a 1/4 inch and back stitch before going on.
To Lynnefay - I think the idea is the last item you sewed, leave the "ender in your machine (cutting off the project you just sewed) and that "ender" now becomes your "leader" for the next project/sewing. Clear as mud? Anyone else - - -
Marysewfun