I use a size 12 needle and the elementary school drawing paper that you can get at office supply stores (great buys at the beginning of school). It will run through the inkjet printer (I haven't tried the laser printer). If I'm out of that I use the cheapest printer paper I can find (less than 20#). If you have problems tearing the paper off after stitching, crease your paper at the stitches and mist with a small spray bottle filled with plain water. It will weaken the paper.