I use regular copy paper & do not shorten the stitch from the machine's default of 2.5. After stitching, I fold the paper at the stitching line. Then I run the back of my seam ripper along the stitching line to 'cut' through the paper. I gently pull the paper along the line to get it off. If there are any little bits of paper still caught under the stitching, I gently use tweezers to pry the paper out from under the stitches. I've never had a problem with the stitches tearing.