I don't buy universal needles any more because I find that they are not sharp enough for most of my quilting needs. So here are my favorite needle sizes and types for the uses you mention; regular piecing size 12 microtex (sharps) these are great for batiks too, quilting size 11 or 14 quilting needles, applique size 11 embroidery needles. I always change the needle for quilting and for applique and usually for batiks, but sometimes i use the quilting or embroidery needles for piecing if they are already on the machine.