I use telephone or similar lite paper. I don't cut the block to correct size until after I remove papers......also smaller stitches...and before I tear, I run the point of a pin lightly across the stitches..seems to help break apart the fibers of the paper and less stress on thread....along with holding the stitch line with opposing thumb as you tear....moving it as you tear. It may sound like a lot of concentrated work, but when you do it enough, it just becomes "part of the process"--- at least for me, it does.