A method of controlling a web of paper forming slurry stationary on a dryer fabric during drying in the drying section of a papermaking machine comprising: forming the dryer fabric of synthetic yarns to be continuous; positioning the dryer fabric about drying drums of the paper drying machine; providing the dryer fabric with an adhesive or tacky support surface and delivering the web onto the adhesive support surface for passage through the dryer section; gripping or securing the web with the adhesive support surface into a relatively fixed and stationary position on the dryer fabric as it is passed about the drums and through the drying section of the paper making machine; and removing the web from the dryer section.