The real Spiral Eye needles are terrific!! The needles are made in the U.S. also. They have no burrs or rough spots either.
The knock-off ones have been known to break thread often, and are not as good of quality. Made elsewhere also.

I say support the gal here in the U.S., as her products are great! :)

I think the spiral eye ones could be used to do something like sewing a binding, appliqueing, etc. The self threading needles are used just to tuck in loose threads from FMQ and machine quilting.

These are the ones that look like the spiral eyed needles. They have the slot in the side, I don't know if they are made by the same company. :D:D:D