Holice

If you are a beginning quilter I suggest you start with a #8 and work down in size until you find the size that is comfortable with you. Most beginning quilters find the #11 and #12 too small to start with.

117becca

Holice said what I was going to say - I started w/ a Size 8 and I know use a size 10. I use a between from Jeanna Kimball's Foxglove Cottage. The shaft seems to be a bit sturdier than other needles that I have used.

Definitely try a lot of needles. If you are in a quilting group- borrow from them to see what will work for you.

Jackie Spencer

I use a size 12 between also. As I have gotten older, they are harder to thread, so whenever my daughter comes over she will thread a whole pkg. of quilting needles on the spool of thread for me.....so much easier!!

Hinterland

Try cutting the thread end at an angle - that usually works for me. Sometimes it helps if I wet the eye of the needle - it wicks the thread through.

Janet