the only batting i have ever used is Warm and Natural, so lots of hours of hand quilting it. it is the seams that is your main issue, changing out the batting isn't going to change that situation. I also bought Thimble Lady needles and her stainless thimble. i like them however. i suspect that you aren't going to load very many stitches on at once. I enjoy the English Betweens for quilting: James needles are one brand. The black ones are really SHARP. Try loading only 2-3 stitches on at once and don't quilt through the seams, go over or under them on each side. I wouldn't take out what you've done, until i'd tried the suggests given in this thread.