I've used the Carol Doak paper and reg. 20lb from Walmart. I think the next time I buy paper I'm going to try a lighter weight like 16lb and see if I like that better. To be honest, I didn't think the expensive was any better than the Walmart. The tricks are: Use a large gauge needle 14-16, a smaller stitch, bend before tearing off and when you get your block all piece and put together, GIVE IT A YANK FROM THE OPPOSITE (X) CORNERS. That particular advise came directly from Carol Doak.