I use a strip of sandpaper and it works well for me.

Neat trick. I'll have to try it.

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I just fold and Iron square and then it is easy to sew. I usually sew 1/4" either side of fold and have two half squares, and ironing is fast.

I pull a length of thread from the needle, put the needle in the fabric, (this holds the thread from pulling out) pull the thread across diagonally and follow the thread to sew.