My favorite, and economical, paper to use is parchment paper you use for baking. It is less fragile than tissue paper but you can still see through it to trace any design. It also rips away from the stitching fairly easily. I use Frixion pen to trace the design. They are made by Pilot and available at quilt stores but usually cheaper when purchased at office supply store. If any color transfers to the stitching it washes out but I rarely have color transfer. I work in sections and just pin the paper in place with safety pins. You don't need many pins.