I agree with the others. A ballpoint needle is going to make a wider hole in the fabric & is more likely to damage the fibers unless you're working with knits. I use either a Schmetz Microtex or Klase/Schmetz Quilting needle for my FMQ. I've yet to see a quilt I just loved done with a ballpoint needle (at least the ones where I asked), but as Beth says -- the only way to know what works best for you is to buy a couple different types of needles and try them out.