For stitch in the ditch quilting with my older (1980s pfaff) - I usually used an 80 schmetz regular or universal needle and the cotton covered coats and clark dual duty thread.
And - gasp - 15 to 20 yearrs and many washings later - the bindings are starting to fray, but otherwise the quilts are holding up well.
I try to use as small size as possible that will handle the job. ( whyy use a pitchfork when a table fork will do?)
For heavy denims, I do use the needles for jeans/ denim.