I use DMC machine embroidery thread, not floss, for needle turn by hand. It is 50wt. I only use light green and gray, dark green and gray. They become any color, it is amazing. A spool lasts a long time (years). Do u like how your work looks more than the teacher's? That would be my deciding factor.
Usually piece with DMC too, but finding they it is harder to find cones. Most stores are starting to carry Aurifil. Liked piecing with the Aurifil. So will see how that works for needle turn after DMC is gone.