I don't use starch, but I just use whatever needle happens to be handy. The only times I've had trouble have been when I found an 'old' needle that had a rusty spot on one side. I really like using the long thin needles. Yes, they may bend a bit, but sometimes that can be helpful too, especially when hand quilting. Just have to be sure the bend is facing the way you want it to so you don't get wiggles where you don't want them.