I use an applique needle, it is finer than regular needles. I also press the finished hexies before sewing them together, they seem to have a better crease so you can see where to sew. And I tried the ladder stitch, did not like it. Took my handiwork, to a friend who has been quilting for 40 years and she said my stitches were good and did not show. I also used a fine thread that almost matched the hexies, which helped.