I am currently taking her mariners compass class. It is a six month class with a Judy Neimeyer certified instructor. We were instructed to just pull the paper back to the next line. Our instructor has made all of Judys patterns and has had no problems with the seams. it is ok to release the paper. I also have a habit of ripping the paper when doing this but the instructor said its fine because its coming off anyway. Love her patterns. Hope this helps