I am a novice at hand quilting although I love to do it while watching tv. You can search Hand Quilting here on the QB and can find lots of advice there. But my advise is to use a needle that feels comfortable to you and as for stitches per inch, to start with just make sure they are even stitches and forget trying to get X number per inch. As you stitch more, your stitches and technique will get better. If the eye is to small to thread easily, use a self thread tool. As my vision gets worse as the years at on... I too have a hard time threading needles! We all do! Just enjoy what you do! With each quilt your technique will improve. Good Luck!