This is what I do also. Works well for me.

Sometimes, especially when I'm piecing triangles that aren't the square with the diagonal line drawn to sew on both sides method, but only when I'm beginning the line of sewing to keep the fabric from being eaten by the machine - hungry little bugger!

me too

Ditto! Never even occurred to me.

i never have used leaders or enders. i start a few stitche in so that i can backstitch and i have never had a problem. someone brought this up in the discussion of postage stamp quilts and suggested that is away to start sewing the stamps together. i may consider using them only for that purpose. i rarely have problems with my fabric getting eaten.

[quote=Kristin in ME]So, I'm trying to understand what a leader is for. Is it just to keep the thread from bunching as you start sewing? Doesn't just holding the thread as you start sewing accomplish that? Or is it for something else...[quote]
I've heard it saves thread - guess it does add up after a while....

here's my leaders and enders..

Most of the time. :)

Almost everytime

I have a box of 2 1/2" squares I need to do this with! I have some triangles as well. Thanks for the topic on this. YOu have convinced me to start using this method :)