One thing besides needles that help with piecing...I had trouble with the needle pushing the fabric down into the hole for the needle and causing a mess. I found the best solution for me was to get a single hole plate for over my bobbin. It doesn't happen at all now and piecing is much more productive and pleasant. However, I didn't remember to change the plate when I wanted to zig-zag and you guesses it....I broke a needle. The price of learning but the two different plates are well worth it for me. Piecing is the part of quilting that I enjoy the most. So fun to see the pattern emerge as the pieces go together. Have fun and remember....perfection is a process so don't be discouraged when seams don't match or points disappear into the seam. You'll figure out how to do it so that it pleases YOU. Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting. Make it your own.