John James makes a needle designed especially for stab-stitch quilting. it has points on both ends and the eye is in the middle. they're very delicate and break easily, but once you get the hang of the method, you won't break them nearly as often.
you keep one hand under the quilt, the other over, and never have to twist either of your wrists to turn the needle toward the next direction.
i found it especially important to be working in good light with a clear view of the stitching line.