When I learned about them, they were called "sew ons and sew off" -- but this was years ago. I use them for just about everything. I fold over a piece of fabric (at least 2x2) and put it so it sits completely under the presser foot, then I put the piece up against it and do my stitching. I use this in regular sewing as well as piecing.

I always use leaders and enders.

I either use a material scrap leader or use a small piece of tissue paper, if handy, which tears off easily.

Me to.

I haven't used them yet in quilting but I've found them indispensable when sewing knits for clothing, especially when I was making swimsuits for my daughters.

I try to always use leaders/enders. Right now I have a small basket of 2 1/2" dark squares and one of light squares. While watching TV, I match up the darks and lights, right sides together, then stack them turning 1/4 turn each time. I keep a stack by my sewing machine ready to be used. Once I get a stack done, I'll press them open and, again while watching TV, I'll stack pairs read to sew into 4-patches.

There are a lot of patterns that use 4-patches and I LOVE scrappy quilts. So this is perfect for me. However, if you are planning to do a quilt that calls for 2 color 4-patches, you could do the same with them.

Here is a link to my scrappy Double Irish Chain I pieced with 2" leaders/enders squares http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-95998-1.htm.

Ditto....my school was my mother and 4-H at age 9.....Hold those threads!

All the time :-D

I do if I am sewing triangles or points together. More often than not, the threads bunch up if I don't use a leader, even if I am holding them.But I don't if I am sewing a straight seam - 2 squares or 2 rectangles or 2 strips.

Me, too