I use new needles with every quilt. After I finish a king size quilt, I throw the needles away and get new ones, of course, on wall hanging, etc., I will quilt 4 or 5 and then get new needles, it makes a difference to me, as the needles get dull. A sharp needle is a must for me. I took a hand quilting class and this is what we were told, it really seems to make a difference to me. And needles are relative inexpensive.