Always on my older less expensive Janome
Never on my newer, nicer one. Thank goodness!
Rose L
08-19-2011 12:52 PM
Oopsie Daisy!
montanajan
08-19-2011 12:57 PM
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...
A leader is a piece of fabric to start the sewing with so fabric &/or thread doesn't bunch in the beginning. I keep a "leader" and "ender" on - simply feed it into the throat as fabric I'm piecing is finished. It saves lots of thread because you don't have to pull it out & cut, just snip between the scrap leader and pieced fabric and keep going. I do a long row of pieces whenever possible, then snip. The "ender" stays under the needle and becomes the "leader" for the next piecing.
If I'm organized enough, I use 2 1/2 inch scraps that will eventually become another quilt - but that organization is more wishful thinking than fact.
Jan
craftybear
08-19-2011 01:54 PM
yes great idea and you can make a scrappy quilt with them
Originally Posted by montanajan
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...
A leader is a piece of fabric to start the sewing with so fabric &/or thread doesn't bunch in the beginning. I keep a "leader" and "ender" on - simply feed it into the throat as fabric I'm piecing is finished. It saves lots of thread because you don't have to pull it out & cut, just snip between the scrap leader and pieced fabric and keep going. I do a long row of pieces whenever possible, then snip. The "ender" stays under the needle and becomes the "leader" for the next piecing.
If I'm organized enough, I use 2 1/2 inch scraps that will eventually become another quilt - but that organization is more wishful thinking than fact.
Jan
pocoellie
08-19-2011 01:59 PM
Very seldom
JUNEC
08-19-2011 02:01 PM
Almost always - less frustrating
soccertxi
08-19-2011 02:18 PM
Every time...unless I have forgotten to preplan my leaders or I have to do half a seam. I feel guilty if I don't...like I"m wasting thread or something. Silly!
AlwaysQuilting
08-19-2011 02:21 PM
Never. I tried it but didn't like it. It's easier for me to hold the thread tails until I've taken a stitch. That's how I was taught.
Baby Catcher
08-19-2011 02:37 PM
When I used a modern sewing machine I needed to because the fabric would bunch up if I sewed right at the corner. Now I only use vintage machines and they don't have any problem with this. My featherweight is my favorite.
