All of the ideas here are great. Perhaps, another to add. I found that scoring the paper across from the seam (not parallel to) helps, since it doesn't tear along the whole seam, just part of it. I love Thangels and Eydita Star's triangle paper is good too. I also have Golden Threads paper, but velum is still the old stand-by that always works. I don't mind the time spent, since it's just part of the process--like sorting and separating floss and yarns for embroidery or needlepoint--has to be done, but keep the final result in view (a gorgeous quilt)!