I love the Mettler, silk finish thread for hand piecing(it's cotton not silk but has a nice smooth finish). It doesn't tangle like the Gutterman thread which is a real PITA. I am very lazy and usually cut my thread around 30"-35" long and I use a long thin needle, which will shred the thread where it goes through the eye if you don't move it every couple of stitches. I hope this helps, I love hand piecing
