I like to do hand sewing. My go to needle is the 'between' or quilting needle. I use the size 7 or 9. I thread up several at the same time for convenience. It is short and easy to manage as I do binding. I use a thread length of about 18 inches so that it is easy on my arm as I pull it through (also saves time because I don't have to pull so far). It also minimizes shredding the thread because of too many trips through the fabric. I like to do a non-visible knot every ten or twelve stitches so that if the thread breaks later with wear or snag that it won't come out very far. I also prefer to use a cotton wrapped poly thread to sew the binding down because it is stronger than 100% cotton. I think the biggest mistake people make in regard to hand sewing is unsing needles that are too large.