I think platinum needles are thinner, so you might be able to get more stitches per inch, but the really important thiing is if you are happy with them! If your tension in the hoop is a bit looser, you can get more stitches on your needle when you rock back and forth. I tend to bend really thin needles because I quilt on a big frame with others who like the material to be tauter (is that a word?) When I quilt by myself, I often do not use a hoop at all, just have to make sure that the sandwich is really stable, with lots of pins or basting. I haven't hand quilted anything that is spray basted yet, but will be trying that real soon.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this forum! :lol: :lol: