I use a 14 sharp on my older Nolting and have had no problems with batiks. However, I did read on the Ludlow quilt & sew website that when piecing batiks, if the needle starts skipping, drop down to a smaller needle, which will pierce the batiks easier. That is the very first time I have seen that suggestion. It does make sense though. Several years ago, my friend and I were sewing some batiks and couldn't get them to sew without skipping stitches. We tried bigger needles but never a smaller one. We never got that particular batik to sew. We ended up ripping it out and replacing the fabric. Next time, I will try the smaller needle.