i was taught this in home ec and to leave a piece of fabric under the needle when not using the machine

Every time, threading machine needles is not easy for me to see. Don't have to do it nearly so often, with a leader. Plus I sew smaller squares as leaders, and have another project started. piecefully, the old one

On all my machines except the Juki, I need to use leaders. The Juki is perfect for piecing!

Same here. Almost always as a starter, but sometimes I end without one. Then I have to start with another one. Sure simplifies things

When I remember. :oops:

I always use a leader/ender. Amazing how many "extra" quilts I have made as a result.

Never have done it. Know how to in theory but have never actually used one.

I don't own a straight stitch plate either, so if I have the needle in the center position (very rarely), I always use a leader. With the needle in left position, I sometimes use a leader.

Never needed to, but I sure do like the thought of a 'free' quilt! :)

I think this is a habit I'd like to develop :)

I have a basket of little squares cut and if I am working on a longterm project I will bring the little basket along my sewing table, if not I will just hold those tails when I start-just something I do automatically....I guess that kind of dates me....the new machines theoretically don't need that "holding the tails" when beginning to sew....