I've been trying to pipe a hula skirt for the mini doll cake, and the strands keep breaking on me. I tried both the grass tip (which was a disaster), and the small star tip (which wasn't as bad).
I've been using the Wilton buttercream recipe I learned in Class 1.
Is it consistency? Pressure? Evil aliens from Lilo and Stitch?!
Thanks.

Try adding some piping gel for stretch-ability.

I've never tried adding piping gel, but whenever I have to do stringwork, I add a little Karo syrup to the buttercream and it really helps!

Would adding piping gel or Karo syrup make it too runny? But I DID think it seemed like it was kind of dry, so maybe that would bring it to the right consistency...Hmmm...
I just took a Hershey's Black Magic Cake out of the oven, so I can try something on it after it cools...
Wheels turning. Thanks, Ladies!

Just add a very little bit ... maybe a tablespoon for a whole batch of buttercream. That small amount shouldn't really affect the consistency too much. I never measure how much I add, so I'm just guesstimating.

Adding the piping gel worked like a dream! I didn't make a hula girl, but it's worked on basketweave and some stripes so far. Thanks much, all!

wow, that great info