Back in the old days (60'/70's) when none of these amazing gadgets were available we used a long straight pin pinned to the ironing board cover near the end of the board making the space the width you want your tape to finish up. If you are using 2 1/2" strip the space should be 1 1/4"(or as close as you can get it). Fold the fabric in half & thread it through the space, then pull it under the iron slowly with one hand while holding the iron with the other. Did I make it clear enough?