As much as I can remember! I learned it in a quilting class I took awhile back and have been trying to put it into practice ever since. It saves so much time and thread!

For those who don't know, a leader (we call it a "granny square" although everyone has their own name for it) is a scrap piece of fabric that you start off your stitches with, then you can keep 'chain sewing' so that you don't have the thread tails on each piece. It saves a TON of thread!! Plus, then you can keep your needle in the down position at all times (when stopping).

When chain piecing, almost always - at least when I can remember! (LOL)

I almost always have to use one with my Viking as the edge of the fabric gets pulled into the plate; I never have to use one with my Bernina.

Not as often as I should. I hate picking out nested thread.

A lot of the time when I'm chain piecing or otherwise. It depends on the fabric. If it's a bit thin, I windup using the leader. I've also heard it referred to as a mouse.
Whatever you call it, it helps when needed!

do not need it with the SINGER 301A or the BERNINA 1630 but could not even try to sew on the Bernette without a leader and if not starting at the edge , bringing up the bobbin thread and holding on to top and bobbin threads for the first 4 stitches............. i really hate spagettie on my fabric.

I also hold the threads to the rear of the foot instead of a leader.

always !

Funny...I've grown attached to my leader :lol: I use the same one all the time. It's a piece of old flannel from my DH old PJs, folded over to make a nice square. I trim it every once in a while. I think I'll make a new one from another sentimental piece of fabric.
This board is so much fun and so inspirational on many levels :D :D

I never use a leader piece, my Viking does not require one, I have no problems.