Learning, learning and learning...and still having fun! Thanks to all! GrandPa

I never used it for piecing, but the two quilts I quilted with it have popped quilting stitches all over the place. And on one of those quilts, they popped in the gentle cycle on the first wash! I wasn't happy about that. In fact, it's my avatar quilt. I love their colors, but I am just too chicken to try them again.

the smaller the thread, the smaller the needle, unless you are using a metallic, then use metallic needle. If you use a large needle with a fine thread, your quilting will have thousands of small holes that are not filled up with thread. If the needle is too small, your thread will shred and break. For decorative applique or embroidery 40 weight thread, use an embroidery needle 75/100 or 90/14. The smooth groove and large eye of an embroidery needle provides protection for specialty threads.

I love Aurifil 50/2 for piecing. haven't had any breakage problems, none while sewing and none (so far, fingers crossed lol!) in finished quilts.

I've quilted with Aurifil 50/2 as well (medium size FMQ meanders) and it looked a bit skimpy for my taste. But it's not breaking, which is the main thing. There is an Aurifil 40 weight specifically made for quilting, which I haven't tried yet.

I use my 90 topstitch needles with everything, including Aurifil thread - even with Presencia, a 60/3 thread that is even thinner than the Aurifil!