Speaking of leaders..... save your half square triangles and use them for leaders. Scraps then become sewn and prepared for a scrappy quilt.

I was taught many years ago to use a big needle with a brightly colored thread to pull the first piece through the machine. With some slippery fabrics it is necessary, other fabrics I can start sewing right at the very end of it instead of losing a half inch or so.

I always use a leader if I'm doing half sqr triangles. I've always just used a folded piece of fabric over and over again but I have picked up a new idea of using 2" squares for another quilt. I normally just hold the thread tails but it really does waste a lot of thread that way. Thank you for all the tips. I think I will start using this method every time. :thumbup:

Always! But I never thought of using the leaders and enders as actual blocks for a scrappy quilt. Guess I'll go right away and cut some 2 inch squares before I forget this practical idea!

Almost always, but I love the used paper idea for those pesky triangle tips. I'll have to try it.

Almost always, and especially when I am chain piecing.

Almost always, and especially when I am chain piecing.

You lost me,I would like to know what a leader is to. I learn so much from ya'll.

almost always

I too use leaders and Enders most all the time, it really helps keep the fabric from jamming.