I find it is best to thread the needle the direction the thread comes off the spool. Sometimes wetting the needle (yes, the needle where the hole is) will help the thread find the hole and go through easier! Thread the needle before you cut the thread from the spool. Pull out a comfortable length, then cut the thread keeping the short end by your needle to let the thread work WITH its twist. Use the quilters knot, and go for it! Start with a couple stitches on your needle and go from there. The length of your needle and the tautness of the quilt determine how many stitches you can load your needle with. I use a needle gripper ( a circle of soft rubber- a piece of a balloon or rubber glove works as well) to help with pulling my needle through "tough" spots. Practice and you will get better.
People who want beautiful consistent stitches in hand quilting have a "warm-up" piece that they use to get their "groove" and then go the the piece that they want for competition or ?
Hope this helps. :lol: