On my Singer machines, I've used the post it notes and other paper pads (even think paperback books) and I used blue painter's tape to hold it in place... not broccoli elastic (great idea though). However, with my Janomes I just use my Clothsetter. It is very easy to set the width to whatever seam size I want. And the lip of the Clothsetter extends to the front edge of the machine and is great for thick fabrics, like wool and polar fleece, too.