I saw a suggestion on here somewhere to go to a medical supply store and get a roll of exam table paper or get a roll of blank newsprint paper. I have used regular printer paper but it is harder to tear away. All the tips here are very good ones. Sometimes just folding the paper back against the stitches breaks the fibers enough to help. Are you using a thin straight edge (template plastic) and an add-a-quarter ruler? Essentials! N