Jinny Beyer recommends using a 40 wt. for hand piecing. I use King Tut from Superior Threads. Presencia is a very strong thread, and the 50 wt. seems thicker than other 50 wt. threads (if using Presencia for machine piecing, I use 60 wt.), so I would also consider using Presencia 50 wt. for hand piecing.