I find a size 9 needle, thread cut at a slant and wetting the eye of the needle are the tricks that work best for me. The larger the number on the needle the smaller the more stitches per inch of quilting. Practice with the size 8 or 9 needles and slowly work your way to your number 10 needles...Happy Quilting... hand quiltin g is so relaxing enjoy your journey to smaller stitches. :-D :-D :-D