I found that using the thin-est needle works best for me. I have a favorite. It is not a short needle. I bought a package of needles made in England years ago. They have a larger eye. I put them in a wooden needle holder so don't have a name. Sorry.
I am trying to use up thread. You know the spools that don't have enough left to bother putting it on the machine. The poly cotton seems to work out with out knotting, but I use what ever is on hand at the time. My threads are all on the backside so no matter the color. The hand quilting thread seems to heavy.