It's possible a leather needle is overkill. In my research I happened to come across some pages that recommended the leather needle for velcro to avoid snapping the needle. I've had a needle snap before (totally unrelated to velcro) and didn't want to risk that so I went with what was recommended given this was my first time. At some point I might try a lesser needle to see if it works but it took all of 10 seconds to switch them out so it wasn't a bother for me regardless. :-) I also might not need any lubrication on the needle/thread after having switched to the polyester thread but if it means easier passage of the needle and thread through the velcro this too wasn't a burden but is something I will also test on my next velcro project. :-)