You only hand sewing I do is epp....but I seem to be accumulating a "collection" of needles! Have tulip, boning, and just love the way they glide thru the fabric, but they bend so quickly. I just rec'd some clover #10 applique needles....longer lasting and working well so far! As far as threading....need help, can't just push thread thrumthat minuscule eye anymore...use the bohin needle threader....a great thing!