These days I use the Superior Titanium needle called for by the Superior thread I'm using as the top thread. Perfect results every time.
With one or two exceptions, every project I make has batiks in it. I love them and they sew up beautifully if you pay attention to using the correct threads/needles!
The last time I forgot to change to the correct needle, I ended up frogging the same spot at least six times trying to get the decorative stitch to sew correctly. The holes in the batik looked like they would never wash out and I'd have to make a whole new "mug rug". I am very happy to say the holes disappeared when I washed the "mug rug".
Whew!