Some of us use "self sealing" laminate sheets to cover a book or a recipe card, to keep the recipe card or book clean ( a few examples)
These "self sealing" laminate sheets don't require a machine. The package of 5 or 10 sheets can be purchased at Target or Wal-mart, you can buy a very small package of five for under $4. When you open the package, there is a strong plastic sheet that is discarded, and that is exactly what I'm referring to as a great template for quilting. You would trace a pattern onto that heavy plastic sheet, that normally would end up in the garbage. If you have never laminated any thing it may be hard to understand, you just have to waste the $4 and see what I mean. For $4 you only get 5 sheets and they measure about 4"x6".