I use the clear plastic stick on. I also use the Gripper on the rulers, but I have found a much cheaper Gripper at Harbor Freight for about $6 that works as well. I also have a small round sucking cup for my smaller rulers and it really works great. It will keep your finger away from the blades also.
I have a vanilla folder that I put the lightest sand paper on each side. When I want to mark a template, I get it out and mark the fabric, then cut it out.