I use freezer paper.

A neighbor, 89yrs,showed me how to do the paper piecing useing a Sears Robuck catalog!Works beautifully!

Newsprint like the kind of pads you write on in a meeting and flip pages works well. This was recommended by an instructor whose name I don't recall. She did some stunning miniature quilts but she still used the newsprint.

Peg

The Mistress of Foundation piecing - Carol Doaks - go to www.caroldoaks.com - look in free patterns and then Introduction to paper piecing - Also www.youtube.com and search for paper piecing - good videos. Not to be confused with English Paper piecing which is another technique altogether.

Go to your local Dollar store and buy paper there. It is so low quality, that it tears away easily. I made the mistake if trying it in my printer, I had ink coming through the paper, but that could be a blessing for paper piecing.

Actually, typing paper works well....set your stitch shorter and use a new needle. Also, to remove paper, spritz a little water on the paper and it comes off quite easily!

Kids easel paper different sizes

I have a couple of packages of tissue paper intended for stuffing a puffy valance. I just cut that into squares

I admit I don't do a whole lot of paper piecing but my best friend loves it and says it's her favorite to do. Ugh!
Anyway, although she mostly uses foundation paper she says if you're on a budget, go ahead and use typing paper but she passes on this tip---once your design is on the paper fold on all the lines with your fingernail or a credit card. She says by doing all the prefolding it does make it easier to remove afterward. She's also used one of those rotary ools with the teeth that's used for clothing pattern marking. Good luck.

foundation piecing doesn't have to be paper. I hate removing the paper and have switched to using inexpensive muslin bought on sale at 50% off making it even cheaper, or ugly thin fabric that I wouldn't use on the front or back of a quilt. No ripping needed.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA