I only use universal or ball point needles when sewing knits or polyesters. For quilting, I use sharps, usually size 11 or 14 unless I am doing applique and then I use a size 60. (Note that most needle threaders will not thread a size 60 needle because the eye is too small.) If you search the web, you can find charts that explain the uses of each needle. Nancy's Notions also sells quick reference cards talking about needles.