I like to use a 9 or 10 needle and do not like my quilt top really tight when I am working on it - either in a hoop or in a quilt frame. It all depends on the material, batting and backing how many stitches I am able to get on my needle...sometimes several, sometimes not. Just try to keep your stitches and spacing even and don't worry about their size. The more you quilt, the evener and smaller the stitches become. :wink: