I've made lots of these. You can use adding machine tape as a backing or any other shape of paper. Ripping the paper off is messy. I've used dryer sheets as a backing. They do smell which some people may object to. I don't but the resulting quilt is rather stiff. I will wash it when finished with it to soften it. It's a wall hanging. I've also done no backing. Just sew strips till you get to a pre-determined size and then square it up. I love to make them (like eating chips--can't stop). Honestly though, I don't see that they reduce the stash. The strips still seem to multiply. Lots of pictures on the QB. Have fun with it!