I use Jeana Kimball's straw needles #11 for all my hand sewing - applique, sewing down bindings, sewing on sleeves, etc. Because straw needles are hollow, they bend a little, making them flexible enough to make more than one stitch at a time. But because they are super sharp, you really need to wear a thimble when using them. The eye is small, but many people have luck with a Clover needle threader.