Jim's Gen you are brave to use the word tear. LOL
I also tear my back fabric. That is the easiest way to get a straight back, but I still use a 1/4" and have not had a problem, even with tearing instead of cutting. I do it even when I use the tube method.
Originally Posted by Jim's Gem
I usually use a 1/2" seam, but that because I have a habit of tearing my backing fabrics to the size I need and I want to be sure that I don't get any of the stretched fabric into my seam.