Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I don't think Topstitch needles are the same as doing topstitching.
One of the questions asked by the OP was : "Also.....exactly what is the difference between topstitching and just regular sewing seams on a quilt?"
The original purpose of topstitch needles was (and still is) for topstitching; they had nothing to do with quilting. The larger eye, longer groove and sharper point were made to accomodate the heavier topstitch threads used for garments (they also work well with perle cotton #8, #12 and #16 on quilts).