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-   -   Do you use a leader when you piece? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/do-you-use-leader-when-you-piece-t146247.html)

snipforfun 08-19-2011 08:42 AM

I took a class last year from Sally Collins - the precision piecing guru. She highly recommends leaders and chain piecing and starting with the needle down. She seems to specialize in miniatures and so the pieces are really small we were working with. I also try and remember to use and single hold needle plate. There is a neat book By Bonnie Hunter called Adventures With Leaders and Enders. Gives patterns of what you can do with your leaders and enders. To answer your question - I use leaders most all the time and always when chain piecing.

Kristin in ME 08-19-2011 08:43 AM


Originally Posted by dallen4350

Originally Posted by 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...

Not exactly sure exactly what a leader is, but I use a folded over scrap of fabric at the beginning and ending of each piecing/chain of piecing. Yes, holding the thread would do the same. But this keeps all the loose threads that you would normally have to trim on the scrap of fabric. It is faster than pulling up the bobbin thread and holding the top and bobbin threads. I think it may also use less thread.

Just my opinion.

Hmm, ok. I don't have a problem with bunching, because I just hang onto the threads when I start sewing, but saving on thread sounds good...

Blue's quilting mama 08-19-2011 08:46 AM

almost always for me!

Barb44 08-19-2011 08:53 AM

Never use them. Have never had a need to.

Zhillslady 08-19-2011 09:03 AM

I do but I usually always try to thave the next piece ready so only use them when theres nothing else to sew.

2 Doods 08-19-2011 09:05 AM

I keep a little basket of 2 inch squares next to my machine. I use two and stitch them together. They go into another basket. Someday I'll have enough to make a scrappy. Sounds like I need to check out Bonnie's book.

Sadiemae 08-19-2011 09:07 AM

Always, but I use squares that I sew together to make scrappy quilts.

leatheflea 08-19-2011 09:10 AM

I found it to be a pain, I only use it if I'm sewing triangles, for some reason it keeps the feed dogs from eating the point.

quiltmouse 08-19-2011 09:14 AM

always. a scrap 3/4 x 1 or so.

I'm not yet organized enough yet to have the precuts for a "future" quilt to use as leaders.

When I'm chain piecing, I leave a tad more than 1/4" between the units. I clip in between, leaving both with a bit of tail.

When units opened & sewing next seam, the little tails tell me where the seam is. Right now, I'm sewing strips of 8 of 1.5" stamps. so, opened up, I can see if the two squares I'm sewing together are the same finished width, and adjust seam allowance accordingly.

littlehud 08-19-2011 09:29 AM

I don't and it seems to work well for me.


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