I use foundation paper because I bought a couple of packages years ago and am still working my way thru them. I like that they are the same size as copy paper and my printer has no issue with them. I also like that I can easily see thru them and that they are easy to remove.

But one of the parchment paper brands is now advertising pre-cut cookie sheet pieces--17"x11". Cutting one of those in half would give me the same size as copy paper too. I haven't seen it in any local stores so cannot comment on the price.

Oh my QPP with freezer paper you don't stitch through the paper like regular PP. You first stitch your pattern onto the FP by sewing on the line with no thread in the needle. What I do is use the regular paper pattern then layer up about 4 peices of FP. I hit the FP with the tip of my iron in several places so it sticks together then I tape my regular Paper pattern that I printed out to the top.

Then when you go to PP instead of stitching through the paper you fold it back and stitch right next to it. You can reuse pattern pieces several times (I think I have gone up to 8 times before it quits sticking when I iron on my fabric) and you don't have any tedious ripping. I love FPP for this. It takes a bit more prep work but more than makes up for it in saving time with no tearing the paper and being able to reuse the pattern pieces.

Here is a fabulous blog that explains the difference in both technique and results. However, unlike this blogger, I have found I got very precise results with FPP as well as regular PP.

https://denversews.com/2014/03/07/fo...freezer-paper/

To the OP, I am loyal to no kind of paper with traditional PP. I use copy paper, newsprint, and vellum. But vellum is by far the best to use as it tears easily, is semi transparent and is crisp. But the cost is prohibitive compared to the other choices. It can be found relatively inexpensively if you purchase it by the ream but it is still more than copy or newsprint.

I use copy paper. That is, I reuse copy paper. Any piece of paper that comes into the house, if it has a clean back, gets saved for foundation paper. DH and I both use a mail-order pharmacy, and every order comes with a quarter-inch thick stack of papers about the various medication. I think I have close to a ream's worth of paper just from that.

Freezer paper, the Reynolds brand from the grocery store- 16 YDS x 18". I buy about once a year and do a lot of PP'ing. Press it on to fabric with iron, no pins or glue.
I sew beside the fold so no having to rip through the thread when done - and reusable.

Wow! Thanks everyone for your answers!! I'll have to try them.

I have never used anything but copy paper when paper piecing. It is so easy to print out the foundation papers on my ink jet printer and go directly to the sewing machine. I do trim away excess paper before I sew, but that is a personal preference. I have had very good luck using copy paper, and, yes, I do remember to shorten my stitch length a bit so the paper is easier to remove.

I have a package of Carol Doak FPP paper but I’ve never opened it...I just use plain ol’ copy paper as well.

I've pp'd for years and have used many foundation papers, from Kabnet Wax (deli wrap) to copy paper. I prefer the newsprint as it is softer and tears away easily. Recently I tried the Carol Doak paper and just love it, it seems to be also newsprint, but maybe thinner or smoother somehow? It's easy to trace through, and already sized for printers so saves me from having to trim it, and not a bad price when I get it on sale online.

I do simple PP and have successfully used sheets from the yellow pages or phone books. Tears easily and free. Not sure I'll ever do enough of it to justify the expensive papers

Some of you are saying you print patterns on the copy paper. Are these patterns available on websites or how do you get them for printing. A dumb question, but I'm not familiar with those. Thank you.