I like to use baby yarn. I found some thin yarn at WalMart that was varigated, so I can get several shades or colors off a single skein. I tried using tapestry needles, but they were too blunt. I have since found "yarn darners" from Dritz and "soft sculpture needles (which are VERY long) and they both have a sharper point. I use a surgeon's knot and leave anout 1/2 inch tail.