For me with FMQ it all comes down to speed of machine vs. speed of hands. I can use the same needle I piece with as long as I coordinate my speed correctly. Medium machine speed. Slower hands. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it is easy or that I do it well, but I can now let things I have FMQ'd been seen by family and friends. For a long time, I just pitched them in the trash.