I am using a jean needle and it is working fine but today we (my friend and I) managed to use a smaller needle while we quilted her "Northern Lights" quilt with thread. It's actually not a quilt as she is just using thread to make the "lights" and it's just a top; it's working pretty good. I am so greateful for having found this group, so many wonderful people with loads of helpful advice. Are you having any success with your machine?