Agree that you just have to experiment. I do not like the straw needles at all. They are too long and awkward for me. I have been using the large eye John James betweens needles for hand piecing. I love hand piecing. Good luck in finding what works best for you. I like Piecemaker needles too. Roxanne's are wonderful but the LQS here are not carrying them. There is no right or wrong, what ever fits you. I like Roxanne's thimbles too but they are expensive.