I learned to use these by watching my grandmother sew 45 years ago. She always had them made from scrap fabric. She was a professional seamstress before she got married. She told me it was to save thread, but it also does all the things you’ve said
Thank you for explaining leaders and enders to me. I am a brand new quilter, being taught by you and the many presenters on youtube. I am 77 yrs old and this activity helps to settle my soul as I see the outcome of putting fabrics together to make something beautiful. This was an important lesson for me. Thank you!
3:24 I watched your video because my Vintage Singer kept on getting bird’s nests under the throat plate when I started making my first string quilt. Just what I needed and problem solved ! Thank you so much.
Since learning the concept, I always use leaders and enders. But they are never just random scraps of fabric. I will always have a secondary project with pieces cut and ready to be sewn. I won't sit down to sew unless I have enough leaders and enders ready to go. It's amazing how quickly you can create another quilt that way.
I do NOT use leaders, nor have I ever used them. That to say, I am sewing a scrappy quilt right now consisting of 9-patch blocks and I have found this to be extremely helpful. Thank you!
Excellent, Michelle and thank you so much. I stopped using leaders when I gave up my Bernina. My Brother and Juki don’t eat fabric like the Bernina. BUT the birdnest is a very good reason to start using it again. ❤❤❤
Yes, my Juki doesn’t really cause that problem either. Only if you use the auto cutter sometimes. If you’re not doing those triangles, then I always start a quarter inch in then I backstitch and then continue going on
I understand that you don't have the thread nests or the fabric being sucked down into the machine by using a leader, but I never understood the concept of using other squares for a second quilt because those little pieces are going to have the thread nest on them. So you almost need a leader for your leader to avoid that. Love your videos, thanks for sharing.
If you hold your first threads like you are supposed to, you will not get thread nests. And it only happens once because I ALWAYS have a leader/ender under my foot. Since I have a separate machine for quilting I have never had a problem.
If you always have a leader in your machine, you won't have the thread nest. I don't finish a block or a chain without putting in an ender. Then it's there as a leader when I start there next block or chain piecinge that I'm doing
I use crumb pieces as my leaders and enders. I wish I would have known about them 31 years ago. It would have saved me so much frustration with the sewing machine I inherited from my grandmother.
I have been using leaders and enders for over 65 years, since my first school sewing lesson. I always use scraps from whatever project I am working on, that way I can also check tension and stitches are correct before I start. Thanks for the other tips, good reminders.
Nice! I have been sewing since high school, 50 years! And I have never learned this. I don't quilt but, even in garment sewing, this is a priceless tip! Thanks for this!
Those triangles can do hourglasses and broken dishes too. You can web piece two sets at start and end too, to keep a 4-patch's pieces together, for matchy ones. You can sew them into 4's, 8's or 16's etc quickly, when finished with the project for the day. They're all ready for the bext stage, when you get them out again. Put aside until you have enough, or sew 4× 16x's together for a baby quilt, 6 may be a child's lap quilt?. You can use all 4 patches or alternate squares for a 9-patch, disappear it... or mix up with hst blocks or orphan blocks as well. 2"×4", or 2 1/2" ×4 1/2" bricks can be leaders etc too. Smaller blocks can work for mug-rugs, placemats, hot mitts, thread catchers, bowl cosys, pouches, bookmarks, pencil cases, lanyards etc whatever you want to make up quickly. You may have a slightly tedious project coming up, with lots of small units to get through, like flying geese etc. Use them as leaders etc and your next top should go together quicker when you start putting your blocks together? Design boards can hold unsewn or pieced unit bits or both, to help keep yourself organised. All the best.
This is a brilliant idea!!! Thank you so much!! After sewing garments for 50+ years and never being satisfied with my results, I've started quilting. And the leaders and enders have solved one of my pet peeves-- all those threads!! Thank you!!
I love using leader and Enders….I have created at least half my simple quilts while making my main project. Also, I always have 2 1/2 inch squares, ready in a basket to make four patches, which I then make into either 16 patches or a four patch in a square. They are nice building blocks for whatever you want to create next.
I didn't know what it was called but I have done that for several years now.I love how it contains the long thread's as you said, controls nesting. What I got from your video was i pairing blocks for a future project. I've been using a few 3x4inch scraps folded in half multiple times. Thanks for the great informative video.
Hello! I'm from Australia 🇦🇺 and just found your channel. I really enjoyed this video. I look forward to watching many more of your videos. Have a great day. 😊
All good reasons! I use a folded small scrap piece and use it until it’s full of thread. If I have small blocks cut out and stacked off of the Accuquilt I’ll use it for Leaders and Enders. Currently next to my machine I’ve cut out several Washington puzzle blocks to use for Leaders and Enders. Happy Sewing!
I've watched hours and hours and hours of quilting videos and this is the absolutely the best tip I've learned from any of them. I tried it out this morning and can tell it will save me so much time and frustration and the end result is so tidy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And the Janome’s always nest - well not my cheaper and smaller Janome, but my more recent one. I just hate the nests so, I’ve given in and I use leaders and enders now. Good tutorial, thank you.
I put 2 small pieces together and instead of wasting fabric on a leader or ender, I now have a tiny block ,I join those with others and eventually have a small quilt mostly finished while making my primary quilt!
I'm not a beginner, or advanced sewer. I've heard of leader's, & ender's. I believe I have seen Lori Holt use them. I watched this video, and think I like the idea so much, I'll use them from now on. Thank you.
I love to use leaders and enders. Usually i have a second project I am working on and try to make blocks for that project as my leaders and enders. Great video!
I didn't know what these were used for until your video explained it. I would see videos with leaders being used but didn't know why. Im going to try using them on my current project. Thank you!
I’ve not heard of using leaders and enders before but I’ll certainly try this in future. What a sensible idea 😊 BUT if you could re-position your camera it would be helpful as your hands block the view much of the time. Thanks 😊
I don't because I haven't gotten into the habit. I think it would be a great idea and I have plenty of straps cut that I could make ready to go, so maybe I should get on board and start some leader & enders
I should have been using these a long time age. I'm constantly struggling with my machine to keep it from unthreading itself when I start to sew. Thanks .
I first heard of leaders and enders in a quilt video by Marcie Baker. She called them "starties" and "stoppies." I have done that for years, and now Lori Holt has shown me how to have a "bonus project" going.
But doesn’t your secondary/bonus project now have the nests on them? Same thing, then you have to use a leader and ender on it, lol. For me, it would totally mess with my head, one project at a time for me. It doesn’t take much to screw with my head and get everything mixed up. :)
I have used scrap strips as leaders and enders since my Mom taught me to use them to save thread when I made clothes for myself...that was probably 50 years ago. Since I've been quilting I still use them to save thread and to help the fabric start smoothly under my needle. Sometimes I use scrap pieces but I've also been moving projects forward by having pieces ready to sew and use them as leaders and enders.
I’ve learned to use them recently. I use scraps. You learn to use them when you’re tired of a lumpy stitch. Good to see how you do it, esp using triangles.
This is great. I pretty much use them all the time but mine I double piece of scrap and reuse until full. (Spiders) I started using them when I learned to do triangles when quilting with Lisa Capen Quilts in 2020 during Covid lock down and our 53 block a day. Some day I am going to use up my scraps and make extra blocks.
yes, i use leaders & enders, for every reason you listed. tks for the list as a reminder. maybe we could add less wear & tear on machine because we are avoiding the snags, nests, jams.
Thank you for this...I am new to sewing and thought I was doing something wrong with my material getting caught in the throat plate... Is this technique for chain piecing ?
I do use a leader and an ender with chain piecing. Chain piecing is just sewing one piece of a block right after another piece. I sometimes will stack several pieces and then sew them one right after another.
My machine now likes me to always use leaders & enders... I used to use fabric scraps but now use controlled color 2 1/2" squares & ultimately end up with nice 4 patches that can be anything! Designated rectangles are great too & it's nice to sew 2 projects at the same time just by using leaders & enders. My machine is happier& sew am I!!
I do use leaders and enders and I started because of your #2--the sewing of triangles and if your thread is going to mess up better on the leader than your project.
I use them all the time. I suggest that when demo’ing you don’t put your fabric bags so close to your camera/cellphone. It becomes very distorted. Great demo though
As a professional videographer, that is one of my pet peeves with 90% of the people who do these videos They are not using a real video camera. Otherwise they should be setting it on manual focus. At least some of them like Vanessa of the crafty Gemini, her TH-cam channel, she will hold the item for a few seconds to give the camera a chance to focus other times she will focus the camera herself because she has an external monitor so she can see that it’s out of focus
I think everyone who sews on a Bernina will sooner or later get to use leaders and enders. Because the Bernina really loves to eat tiny fabric scraps. I always have a second project next to my machine that I sew as leaders and enders. Sometimes I combine random scraps for a crumb quilt block, sometimes it's an easy block for another quilt, laid out on a small design board so I don't get it messed up.
I never had a problem with my 40 + year old Bernina. I now have a newer one and the eating of my fabric drives me nuts! I figured out to use a leader and an ender. It makes a huge difference. I like the idea of having a little box easily available. You can use them more than once!
I use leaders and lenders to save thread. I also use 2 1/2 inch squares to make a 9 patch quilt or some other quilt. Then I’m sewing two quilts at once.
I do not use a leader or ender. I've been sewing over 50 yrs and was never taught or introduced to them. I don't get birds nest starting out either. I was taught to pull the 2 threads to the right and that's how I do it. Thanks for the demo.
Me too, but that is also time consuming So one day we should have a video of two people showing the exact same size squares, one doing it the way we were taught and one doing that using leaders and Enders 😅😅😅
I use "spiders" not intended for a project. I have used a pair of fabrics for a leader or ender, I found that I don't like random pieces sewn together, so I had to put some thought into it. But then it became distracting and too time consuming to find the right fabrics. So for me, using a spider is fine, but piecing something else while I am working on a quilt does not work for me.
I understand Jennifer. I mainly use just scrap pieces for my leaders and enders also. I am not a true scrap quilter. I like my scrap quilts a little more organized.
I use two squares from two packs of the same charm squares as leaders and Enders while making another quilt. I keep sewing two together until I have 10 rows of 8. I don’t care if two of the same fabrics are together, I just turn the row over For those saying the thread nest would be under this one, if you start out by holding your loose thread ends, there will not be a nest. If you leave an ender under your needle all the time, you will never have that problem. If you have to cut the ender out and have loose threads, just hold them again at the start of any chain without an ender.
Yes, putting tension on the threads as you start sewing really helps keep the nest from happening. Also, we had a group of ladies come teach our 4H kids how to make a jelly roll quilt and one of them taught the kids to sew onto a set of squares and stop before the end put the needle down in the fabric and then turn off the machine. She called it putting the machine to bed. She also said that was a better way for the machine when traveling too. It’s been good to have the machine ready when I want to sew.
I use leader often. I usually skip enders. When I am string piecing first piece become the leader for the next. I often use leaders for any sewing I will not be backstitching. If I am batck stitching I start in past the needles opening, back up and them go forward. So that helps. But if it is a fine, thin fabric, I will still use a leader. Threads on the leader are not a nest. It is the thread that tangles underneath the stitch plate that makes a nest and jambs up the project. At least that is my experience.
Hi Karen, I guess my enders can also be viewed as leaders because I always have one left in my machine for the next piece! Lol! Thanks for the information!
Yes, I sew with my walking foot most of the time. I really just like the way the fabric moves through my machine with the walking foot on. The fabrics just don’t get pushed apart. I also don’t have to keep switching feet. I asked the Bernina dealer if it was okay to do that and it said it was fine.
I don’t use leaders and never made a quilt, if you don’t back tack at the beginning and end and using a quarter inch seam then is there a chance the seam wil come apart when washing?
Great tips Michelle. Also, I will use a ender/leader when chain piecing between several blocks as a “flag” to myself where one block ends and another begins. Also, they prevent stitches from loosening easily on what you have just stitched.
I use leaders and Enders because of the Bernina sucks down the beginning of the fabric almost without fail. It’s not easy to use triangles for leaders because it sucks the tip of triangles in the throat plate. Your video s are helpful but if I can give you a slight recording hint without hurting your feelings, you blink so much when you look directly in the camera and it’s a bit distracting. Sorry for the criticism because I do like your channel and I am subscribed.
Lol! One of my sisters said the same thing! I wonder if I do it all the time? I have tried to stop it but can't! I guess it is something I just can't control.
my leaders and enders are pieces of fabric like square to make 4 patch or to make crumb blocks but mostly sewing to squares together and throw in a bin to use it for blocks or whatever, hope you understand what I am trying to say
I also learned to use them 30 years ago. I use scraps repeatedly until they are more thread than fabric. I can never stick to sewing them intentionally for another project. I manage for a short while and then lose interest....or the scraps become the 'current' project. I also can't work on multiple projects at once, so that may be the way I am wired.....one focus at a time.
If your machine came with a single-hole plate you won't get nesting or fabric sucked down. Also, a single-hole plate is also used when free-motion quilting.
using leaders and enders seems to be a quilting thing. I’m not a Quilter but I can see from your explanation where it could come in handy. I have never used it before.
I do once and awhile but more often than not I pull my threads and hold them to make sure my machine does not eat them or my fabric….but sometimes I get caught and not happy either.
Yes I do. But I use another quilt block from a UFO. AND THEN I SEW MY CURRENT BLOCK, & then I use an ender. I also use one of those little plastic letter opener to cut my threads🙋🏼♀️
I learned to use these by watching my grandmother sew 45 years ago. She always had them made from scrap fabric. She was a professional seamstress before she got married. She told me it was to save thread, but it also does all the things you’ve said
Thanks for sharing!
Another habit I want to start, I am not always consistent. Saves time in threading needles and use less thread!
Thank you Michelle!!!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for explaining leaders and enders to me. I am a brand new quilter, being taught by you and the many presenters on youtube. I am 77 yrs old and this activity helps to settle my soul as I see the outcome of putting fabrics together to make something beautiful. This was an important lesson for me. Thank you!
You are most welcome Sharon!
3:24 I watched your video because my Vintage Singer kept on getting bird’s nests under the throat plate when I started making my first string quilt. Just what I needed and problem solved ! Thank you so much.
You are most welcome!
Since learning the concept, I always use leaders and enders. But they are never just random scraps of fabric. I will always have a secondary project with pieces cut and ready to be sewn. I won't sit down to sew unless I have enough leaders and enders ready to go. It's amazing how quickly you can create another quilt that way.
Pam, I am not good at this, simply because I have not established a good routine and made it a habit. I need to work on it!
@@thesimplequilter7499 , it is a great habit to start!! I like Bonnie Hunter patterns for my leaders and enders
My mom just uses the sane fabric over and over again.
@@TACSmomwhich uses up the thread anyway, and doesn't get you bonuses, but if that is her way, she's the boss.
I do NOT use leaders, nor have I ever used them. That to say, I am sewing a scrappy quilt right now consisting of 9-patch blocks and I have found this to be extremely helpful. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Excellent, Michelle and thank you so much. I stopped using leaders when I gave up my Bernina. My Brother and Juki don’t eat fabric like the Bernina. BUT the birdnest is a very good reason to start using it again. ❤❤❤
Joni, You are most welcome!
Yes, my Juki doesn’t really cause that problem either. Only if you use the auto cutter sometimes.
If you’re not doing those triangles, then I always start a quarter inch in then I backstitch and then continue going on
I understand that you don't have the thread nests or the fabric being sucked down into the machine by using a leader, but I never understood the concept of using other squares for a second quilt because those little pieces are going to have the thread nest on them. So you almost need a leader for your leader to avoid that. Love your videos, thanks for sharing.
Yes, I see what you mean! I guess I was thinking of chain sewing with leaders and Enders so very few pieces will have those issues.
Yes, I was thinking the same, now the 2nd project will have the nests, so not much better I suppose.
I wondered about this, especially with using triangle scraps, but in truth, I don't always get the issues if I am very careful when I start sewing.
If you hold your first threads like you are supposed to, you will not get thread nests. And it only happens once because I ALWAYS have a leader/ender under my foot. Since I have a separate machine for quilting I have never had a problem.
If you always have a leader in your machine, you won't have the thread nest. I don't finish a block or a chain without putting in an ender. Then it's there as a leader when I start there next block or chain piecinge that I'm doing
I use crumb pieces as my leaders and enders. I wish I would have known about them 31 years ago. It would have saved me so much frustration with the sewing machine I inherited from my grandmother.
Yes, it would have!
Great info, I often get the nesting, thank you ,lots of good information.Have a great rest of your day!
Thank you so much!
You are most welcome!
I have been using leaders and enders for over 65 years, since my first school sewing lesson. I always use scraps from whatever project I am working on, that way I can also check tension and stitches are correct before I start. Thanks for the other tips, good reminders.
That’s awesome! They aren’t anything new.
Nice! I have been sewing since high school, 50 years! And I have never learned this. I don't quilt but, even in garment sewing, this is a priceless tip! Thanks for this!
You are welcome!
Thanks for this video. I have seen several videos of sewists using leaders and enders ... Now I know why,
Good deal!
Those triangles can do hourglasses and broken dishes too. You can web piece two sets at start and end too, to keep a 4-patch's pieces together, for matchy ones. You can sew them into 4's, 8's or 16's etc quickly, when finished with the project for the day. They're all ready for the bext stage, when you get them out again. Put aside until you have enough, or sew 4× 16x's together for a baby quilt, 6 may be a child's lap quilt?. You can use all 4 patches or alternate squares for a 9-patch, disappear it... or mix up with hst blocks or orphan blocks as well. 2"×4", or 2 1/2" ×4 1/2" bricks can be leaders etc too. Smaller blocks can work for mug-rugs, placemats, hot mitts, thread catchers, bowl cosys, pouches, bookmarks, pencil cases, lanyards etc whatever you want to make up quickly. You may have a slightly tedious project coming up, with lots of small units to get through, like flying geese etc. Use them as leaders etc and your next top should go together quicker when you start putting your blocks together? Design boards can hold unsewn or pieced unit bits or both, to help keep yourself organised. All the best.
Kathleen, Thank you for the awesome post!!!
This is a brilliant idea!!! Thank you so much!! After sewing garments for 50+ years and never being satisfied with my results, I've started quilting. And the leaders and enders have solved one of my pet peeves-- all those threads!! Thank you!!
Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing. Great tips. I haven't been using them, but, for sure, I am going to start. God bless 😊❤
Enjoy!
I love using leader and Enders….I have created at least half my simple quilts while making my main project. Also, I always have 2 1/2 inch squares, ready in a basket to make four patches, which I then make into either 16 patches or a four patch in a square. They are nice building blocks for whatever you want to create next.
I need to get some baskets ready! I mainly use the small scrap pieces.
I didn't know what it was called but I have done that for several years now.I love how it contains the long thread's as you said, controls nesting. What I got from your video was i pairing blocks for a future project. I've been using a few 3x4inch scraps folded in half multiple times. Thanks for the great informative video.
Thank you!
Hello! I'm from Australia 🇦🇺 and just found your channel. I really enjoyed this video. I look forward to watching many more of your videos. Have a great day. 😊
Welcome Simone! It is soooo cool you are from Australia!!!
All good reasons! I use a folded small scrap piece and use it until it’s full of thread. If I have small blocks cut out and stacked off of the Accuquilt I’ll use it for Leaders and Enders. Currently next to my machine I’ve cut out several Washington puzzle blocks to use for Leaders and Enders. Happy Sewing!
You too Tessa!
I do the same thing with my scraps of fabric after cutting with my dies! 😂
I started using leaders and enders to save thread. All of your reasons are great to hear!
Thanks for sharing!
I've watched hours and hours and hours of quilting videos and this is the absolutely the best tip I've learned from any of them. I tried it out this morning and can tell it will save me so much time and frustration and the end result is so tidy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Cindy, I am so glad this video was helpful to you!
And the Janome’s always nest - well not my cheaper and smaller Janome, but my more recent one. I just hate the nests so, I’ve given in and I use leaders and enders now. Good tutorial, thank you.
Sue, You are most welcome!
So nice to see you!! I enjoy everything you share. THANK YOU💝
Sandra, Thank so much and you are most welcome!
I put 2 small pieces together and instead of wasting fabric on a leader or ender, I now have a tiny block ,I join those with others and eventually have a small quilt mostly finished while making my primary quilt!
Those two pieces you are sewing together are leaders and enders
I couldn’t quite follow what she was saying regarding that maybe you can elaborate a little more for me
That really helps a lot of quilters increase their productivity if they can be consistent!
I also use leaders and enders to make orphan blocks or working on a second project. Great explanation for using leaders and enders thanks for sharing
You are most welcome!
I'm not a beginner, or advanced sewer.
I've heard of leader's, & ender's. I believe I have seen Lori Holt use them.
I watched this video, and think I like the idea so much, I'll use them from now on.
Thank you.
Jenny, Soon it will be a habit and you won't want to sew without them!
Always, that's how I get so many quilts made each year. I don't have threads to trim and I don't have to re-thread the needle very often!!
That is awesome!
Very helpful for a novice quilter thank you 🙏🏻 😊
Glad it was helpful!
I love to use leaders and enders. Usually i have a second project I am working on and try to make blocks for that project as my leaders and enders.
Great video!
Thank you!
I have a box for leaders and enders and I need to use them! Thanks for reminding me to get my box out when I sew this week! Love your videos so much!
Thank you so much Fallon!
I didn't know what these were used for until your video explained it. I would see videos with leaders being used but didn't know why. Im going to try using them on my current project. Thank you!
I hope you will find them useful. I do!
I have made a quilt with my leader and enders. It does save thread. Thank you.
You are welcome!
I’ve not heard of using leaders and enders before but I’ll certainly try this in future. What a sensible idea 😊 BUT if you could re-position your camera it would be helpful as your hands block the view much of the time. Thanks 😊
Thanks for the feedback!
I don't because I haven't gotten into the habit. I think it would be a great idea and I have plenty of straps cut that I could make ready to go, so maybe I should get on board and start some leader & enders
They really help me!
I should have been using these a long time age. I'm constantly struggling with my machine to keep it from unthreading itself when I start to sew. Thanks .
These should help!
I first heard of leaders and enders in a quilt video by Marcie Baker. She called them "starties" and "stoppies." I have done that for years, and now Lori Holt has shown me how to have a "bonus project" going.
Those bonus projects are a great benefit in using leaders and Enders!
But doesn’t your secondary/bonus project now have the nests on them? Same thing, then you have to use a leader and ender on it, lol. For me, it would totally mess with my head, one project at a time for me. It doesn’t take much to screw with my head and get everything mixed up. :)
I most if the time use a leader but never used an elder, very interesting video, thank you
You are most welcome!
I have used scrap strips as leaders and enders since my Mom taught me to use them to save thread when I made clothes for myself...that was probably 50 years ago. Since I've been quilting I still use them to save thread and to help the fabric start smoothly under my needle. Sometimes I use scrap pieces but I've also been moving projects forward by having pieces ready to sew and use them as leaders and enders.
Jenny, Thank you so much for sharing!
I’ve learned to use them recently. I use scraps. You learn to use them when you’re tired of a lumpy stitch. Good to see how you do it, esp using triangles.
Glad it was helpful!
This is great. I pretty much use them all the time but mine I double piece of scrap and reuse until full. (Spiders) I started using them when I learned to do triangles when quilting with Lisa Capen Quilts in 2020 during Covid lock down and our 53 block a day. Some day I am going to use up my scraps and make extra blocks.
Lol! I have a good friend who calls them spiders also!! I didn’t know what she was talking about at first!
Yes I use leaders and enders. You had some tips I hadn't thought of. Thanks!
You are welcome DiAnn!
yes, i use leaders & enders, for every reason you listed. tks for the list as a reminder. maybe we could add less wear & tear on machine because we are avoiding the snags, nests, jams.
Perhaps!
Thank you for this...I am new to sewing and thought I was doing something wrong with my material getting caught in the throat plate...
Is this technique for chain piecing ?
I do use a leader and an ender with chain piecing. Chain piecing is just sewing one piece of a block right after another piece. I sometimes will stack several pieces and then sew them one right after another.
I am new to this so every tips is good. I am glad you explained the “why” of using them,
I hope it helps!
Yes I am trying to get into the habit of using the more but thanks for sharing those eight tips definitely makes sense.
Yes, you definitely have to make it a habit!
Thanks for the video. Still learning and now I see why to use leaders and enders.
You are most welcome Kathy! If you need help or have questions, just post them and I will see if I can help with a video covering that topic.
I usually start my seam about one-half inch from the edge.....and then just back stitch to the edge. Holding onto your starting threads helps too.
Yes!
My machine now likes me to always use leaders & enders... I used to use fabric scraps but now use controlled color 2 1/2" squares & ultimately end up with nice 4 patches that can be anything! Designated rectangles are great too & it's nice to sew 2 projects at the same time just by using leaders & enders. My machine is happier& sew am I!!
Awesome!
I do use leaders and enders and I started because of your #2--the sewing of triangles and if your thread is going to mess up better on the leader than your project.
Yes!
I love to use leaders and enders, it helps me to keep long threads on the materials.
Yes indeed!
Very helpful. Thank you.
You are most welcome!
Thank you. I never thought about doing this but, will now. Your points are spot on. TFS
You are most welcome!
Thanks so much - good info! Will save so much frustration! Do you then use your leaders and enders in your dog beds?
Yes, I toss them in there when I am done with them!
I use them all the time. I suggest that when demo’ing you don’t put your fabric bags so close to your camera/cellphone. It becomes very distorted. Great demo though
Thank you for the feedback!
As a professional videographer, that is one of my pet peeves with 90% of the people who do these videos
They are not using a real video camera. Otherwise they should be setting it on manual focus.
At least some of them like Vanessa of the crafty Gemini, her TH-cam channel, she will hold the item for a few seconds to give the camera a chance to focus other times she will focus the camera herself because she has an external monitor so she can see that it’s out of focus
I think everyone who sews on a Bernina will sooner or later get to use leaders and enders. Because the Bernina really loves to eat tiny fabric scraps. I always have a second project next to my machine that I sew as leaders and enders. Sometimes I combine random scraps for a crumb quilt block, sometimes it's an easy block for another quilt, laid out on a small design board so I don't get it messed up.
I need to do more of that!!! It is just about building routines and creating habits!
I’ve sewn with a Bernia 930 since 1990 and have never needed leaders and Enders.
I never had a problem with my 40 + year old Bernina. I now have a newer one and the eating of my fabric drives me nuts! I figured out to use a leader and an ender. It makes a huge difference. I like the idea of having a little box easily available. You can use them more than once!
I’ve not tried leads & ends with my Bernina but I soon learned to hang on to thread tails EVERY time I start a seam…
Thank you so much for this tip ! I’m going to be doing this now ! 😊
You are so welcome!
I use leaders and lenders to save thread. I also use 2 1/2 inch squares to make a 9 patch quilt or some other quilt. Then I’m sewing two quilts at once.
Such a great way to use scraps!
I do not use a leader or ender. I've been sewing over 50 yrs and was never taught or introduced to them. I don't get birds nest starting out either. I was taught to pull the 2 threads to the right and that's how I do it. Thanks for the demo.
Me too, but that is also time consuming
So one day we should have a video of two people showing the exact same size squares, one doing it the way we were taught and one doing that using leaders and Enders
😅😅😅
Debby, Your method does work!
I use "spiders" not intended for a project. I have used a pair of fabrics for a leader or ender, I found that I don't like random pieces sewn together, so I had to put some thought into it. But then it became distracting and too time consuming to find the right fabrics. So for me, using a spider is fine, but piecing something else while I am working on a quilt does not work for me.
I understand Jennifer. I mainly use just scrap pieces for my leaders and enders also. I am not a true scrap quilter. I like my scrap quilts a little more organized.
I use two squares from two packs of the same charm squares as leaders and Enders while making another quilt. I keep sewing two together until I have 10 rows of 8. I don’t care if two of the same fabrics are together, I just turn the row over
For those saying the thread nest would be under this one, if you start out by holding your loose thread ends, there will not be a nest. If you leave an ender under your needle all the time, you will never have that problem. If you have to cut the ender out and have loose threads, just hold them again at the start of any chain without an ender.
Tracy, Thank you for the information!
Yes, putting tension on the threads as you start sewing really helps keep the nest from happening. Also, we had a group of ladies come teach our 4H kids how to make a jelly roll quilt and one of them taught the kids to sew onto a set of squares and stop before the end put the needle down in the fabric and then turn off the machine. She called it putting the machine to bed. She also said that was a better way for the machine when traveling too. It’s been good to have the machine ready when I want to sew.
I use leader often. I usually skip enders. When I am string piecing first piece become the leader for the next. I often use leaders for any sewing I will not be backstitching. If I am batck stitching I start in past the needles opening, back up and them go forward. So that helps. But if it is a fine, thin fabric, I will still use a leader. Threads on the leader are not a nest. It is the thread that tangles underneath the stitch plate that makes a nest and jambs up the project. At least that is my experience.
Hi Karen, I guess my enders can also be viewed as leaders because I always have one left in my machine for the next piece! Lol! Thanks for the information!
I’ve never used leaders and enders; I’ve seen them used many times and I think it’s time for me to start using them as well!
It is a habit for me and it helps in all the ways I showed.
Plan to start doing this with my next project!
Good deal!!!
Thanks for sharing this.
You are welcome!
I noticed you had a walking foot on your machine. Do you always sew with the walking foot even while piecing? If so why?
Yes, I sew with my walking foot most of the time. I really just like the way the fabric moves through my machine with the walking foot on. The fabrics just don’t get pushed apart. I also don’t have to keep switching feet. I asked the Bernina dealer if it was okay to do that and it said it was fine.
I've gotten out of the habit of using leaders and enders - I am *supposed* to be sewing minicharms for a scrap quilt. Thank you for the reminder!
You are welcome!
Love em! ... for all of those reasons!
They are great!
I always use leaders and Enders to help save on thread and sew the cut offs to put in the boarders.
Thanks for sharing!
Usually the "ender" becomes the "leader" gor the next round of stitching. I like the idea of saving thread.
It's a good reason to use them!
I don’t use leaders and never made a quilt, if you don’t back tack at the beginning and end and using a quarter inch seam then is there a chance the seam wil come apart when washing?
Not if the seam is crossed by another unit as we do in quilting.
@@thesimplequilter7499 Thank you for your reply.
Great tips Michelle. Also, I will use a ender/leader when chain piecing between several blocks as a “flag” to myself where one block ends and another begins.
Also, they prevent stitches from loosening easily on what you have just stitched.
Great tips Helen! I like your tip of using it as a flag!! Thank you for sharing!
I also use them as markers between blocks
I use leaders and Enders. I use them for several of the reasons you discussed.
Super handy little things!
I do use leaders and Enders; and it is helping me to finish my scrap quilts a lot quicker.
Awesome!
I use leaders and Enders because of the Bernina sucks down the beginning of the fabric almost without fail. It’s not easy to use triangles for leaders because it sucks the tip of triangles in the throat plate. Your video s are helpful but if I can give you a slight recording hint without hurting your feelings, you blink so much when you look directly in the camera and it’s a bit distracting. Sorry for the criticism because I do like your channel and I am subscribed.
Lol! One of my sisters said the same thing! I wonder if I do it all the time? I have tried to stop it but can't! I guess it is something I just can't control.
my leaders and enders are pieces of fabric like square to make 4 patch or to make crumb blocks but mostly sewing to squares together and throw in a bin to use it for blocks or whatever, hope you understand what I am trying to say
sorry I posted this before I watched all the video
All is well Linda, I totally understand what you are saying!
I love to use leaders and enders. I keep mine in a vintage baby planter next to my machine.
I bet your planter is adorable! We both like vintage items!
That was great information
Thank you!
I didn’t use to use leaders and Enders. I watch a Lori holt video and I wondered why, so I tried it and will always use it now.
Great!
Do you use leaders and Enders when doing actual quilting like stitch in the ditch?
I use it all the time unless I am quilting in the middle of a project.
I also learned to use them 30 years ago. I use scraps repeatedly until they are more thread than fabric. I can never stick to sewing them intentionally for another project. I manage for a short while and then lose interest....or the scraps become the 'current' project. I also can't work on multiple projects at once, so that may be the way I am wired.....one focus at a time.
Maria, I struggle with that also!
If your machine came with a single-hole plate you won't get nesting or fabric sucked down. Also, a single-hole plate is also used when free-motion quilting.
Yes that does help! My Juki has a single hole plate.
Good job!!! I like this video!!! I love you!!!💕❤️
Thanks Wes!🥰💕🥰
using leaders and enders seems to be a quilting thing. I’m not a Quilter but I can see from your explanation where it could come in handy. I have never used it before.
It truly is a habit for me and it has worked very well for years and years!
I’ve used the same leaders and enders idea when I sew garments, especially when I assembly line sew a few at the same time.
Thank you, I have a Baby Lock and it eats fabric. This will help a lot!
I think you will find it helpful!
OK you convinced me to use leaders and enders. Frances
Lol! Awesome! I think you will like using them!
I have never used a leader or ender. How do you lock the stitch at start and finish of piece when using leaders and enders
You can still back tack if you want; however, I do not do that if my seam will be crossed by another in my patchwork.
I use them since my thread cutter broke and particularly when doing HSTs.
My Bernina is a 550 so it doesn't have a thread cutter. My Juki has one but frequently comes unthreaded when I use it.
I use them all the time. Some are just a scrap, other times is 2 1/2 inch square for a project.❤
I seldom if ever sew without them also!
I never have done this, but from now on when I do triangles & smaller blocks I will
Good deal!
I am using 1 1/2” blocks as my L&E… for a queen sized postage stamp block!
Wow! Now that is a challenge!
I do once and awhile but more often than not I pull my threads and hold them to make sure my machine does not eat them or my fabric….but sometimes I get caught and not happy either.
Lol!
I do use leaders and enders, but haven't been successful in using leaders and enders to assemble secondary blocks.
I understand.
I've never used leaders or enders. I can see a use for leaders though. I'm thinking of giving it a try.
I hope you find them useful!
I’m lucky as my 1961 machine has a straight stitch throat plate with a small hole so when I do mainly straight stitching it doesn’t need L & Es.
Yes, that helps!
Yes I do. But I use another quilt block from a UFO. AND THEN I SEW MY CURRENT BLOCK, & then I use an ender. I also use one of those little plastic letter opener to cut my threads🙋🏼♀️
Super idea!!!
Love your viedo
Thank you so much!
I call them “smarties” and “stoppies” !!
Lol! I have never heard them called that before! Cute names!
I did on my old machine but on my Bernina. I think I should start again though.
They sure do help me!
Very nice
Thank you!