I use Tulip Applique needles size 10. I
love these needles, they glide through the fabric like a hot knife through butter.
http://en.tulip-japan.co.jp/handstitch/
For thread, I bought a donut of Bottom Line bobbins. It's a very fine 60 wt thread and sinks into the fabric like silk does, but for the price of 3 or 4 spools of silk, I get a rainbow of 35 colors to choose from.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/superbobs-donut