Here is a paragraph from Jinny Beyer’s page, she is the only person I know who hand pieces. She apparently uses the same for piecing and quilting.
“Needles I use a between, size 11, for all my hand piecing and quilting. It is a sturdy needle and because it is so short it does not bend as readily. There are a number of needle companies and I have experimented with many of them. Frankly, in my experience, the ones made in China are not the same high quality as those made in England and Japan. I would advise you to check the packaging. If it says “packed in England” and not “made in England,” the needles are probably made in China. My favorite needle of choice at the moment is the Colonial Needle Company’s Super Glide, Between, Size 11. This needle is made in England and has a special coating that allows it to glide more smoothly through the fabric.”