I posted pictures of my leader & ender sewing setup in "Pictures" under "Mission Organization" so maybe my description will make more sense!

I think using them helps me conserve a lot on thread!

I rarely start a new seam - I plan my piecing so that I have something ready to go under the presser foot at all times so my blocks are my leaders and enders. My 301 doesn't eat fabric, but I sew like this to cut down on thread tails. The quilt back is so much neater.

My machine bites sometimes. I use a leader.

I'm with Dolphyngyrl. No leaders and enders needed with my Brother machines. Also the thread cutting feature wastes very little thread. I don't have to pull a tail up before I start sewing.

Most of mine don't bite but I use leaders and enders too. One of these days they will make it into a quilt.

Use a "single stitch" sole plate - that prevents the biting....

What machines are "biting"? I have an Elna 62C, a Singer 99 treadle, a Bernina 1630 and a Singer 403 Special. None of them bite. I am sorta looking for an embroidery machine and would dearly like to miss the bites if possible.

Thanks for listening.

Pat

My elderly Bernina 930 (mechical) sews a perfect stitch from the start. Much newer Janome 6600, computerized, makes a thread mess every start so I start with a tag (fabric). I am wondering about those who are sewing quilt pieces together for their leaders, don't you get a thread mess at the beginning of those? On my Janome I would need a tag for the leader...........don't quit get how this works.

I am thinking of trying the leaders and enders - my Brother machine has the auto cut - so I, too, don't feel like I am wasting. Sometimes at the beginning of a seam I will start down about a 1/4 inch and back stitch before going on.

To Lynnefay - I think the idea is the last item you sewed, leave the "ender in your machine (cutting off the project you just sewed) and that "ender" now becomes your "leader" for the next project/sewing. Clear as mud? Anyone else - - -

Marysewfun