A new size 12/80 needle should take care of the problem. A quilting needle is sharper than a universal needle and will go between the fibers better. Universals have a slightly rounded tip so you can sew knits without holes. A used needle can be dull or have a tiny burr and cause holes.
Schmertz quilting size 12 is my needle of choice. I do use universals for a lot of fabrics unless I see a problem occurring just because I have so many around from my apparel sewing days.
Edit: Go with the 75. Keep the 90 for hemming jeans. I often sew with 70s.