Welcome to the board!
I love to hand quilt. I am learning machine quilting as well but I adore hand quilting.
I use needles called "betweens". They are quite small but help to get a nice even stitch. I use size 10 but you can use smaller
or larger.
As with anything else it takes practice. I'm much better than I was when I started. I think going for even stitches is more important than tiny stitches if you are beginning.
I can't use metal thimbles at all. The only ones that work for me are leather. Everyone is different. I also use a hoop and
to baste I make large stitches, rather than using pins. There are so many ways to do it.
I hope you enjoy it here!
Forgot to mention batting- I love cotton or wool.