I had hoped to hand piece, but the running stitch proved to be too difficult for my arthritic hands (though I don't have trouble with applique or the hand quilting stitch). I would strongly recommend a top quality thread for your piecing. I use Guttermann for machine piecing, and their hand quilting thread for my hand quilting. I think I am going to try some Aurifil 28 wt. for hand quilting as well -- their colors are so wonderful. I'm not sure about using the Aurifil 50 wt. for machine piecing -- has anyone tried that?