If you are hand quilting for the first time then start with a #7 or 8 and work down as you become comfortable. Don't make it hard on yourself trying to use the smallest until you get the rhythm of hand quilting. Then #9, 10, 11 etc with #12 being the smallest. And stop at the one that fits your hand and fingers the best..Don't try to use the smallest just because someone told you that yu have to.