I bought a ream of newsprint through Amazon when I was looking at getting started with paper piecing having checked out the alternatives available at that time. Since then I've found I really REALLY like parchment paper (baking type) I get at the dollar store. I have vision issues and it is much easier (even if it takes time) for me to draw out my quilting designs on the paper just sew through and tear off when I'm done. Also works for paper piecing but can be a bit floppy (which newsprint can be as well).
The parchment paper is a 12" x 25' roll, thin/transparent enough to easily trace a pattern. I haven't yet tried cutting it down and running it through my laser printer, I think using the sheet feed option it would be ok. Reasonably soft and flexible it holds up much better than tissue paper. Sometimes tissue paper is made with a plastic film on one side that doesn't tear as easily.