When I made a tied quilt a few years back, my neighbor showed me how to eliminate the basting. She said if you're going to tie it anyway just do it. We laid it out as we would for basting but just went ahead and tied. In an 1 1/2 hours my quilt was done with the exception of the binding. It was crib size. We used yarn and not sure of the needle.

I use doll needles when tying, but to make threading easier I have a "needle threader" that slips through the eye so the yarn or crochet cotton can be attached to the little niche in the threader and then you can pull the thread through. I have purchased a couple of different types over the years. They are flat and made of aluminum or steel. They are not the thin wire threaders. Anyhow, they work really well. I think JoAnne's or a quilting store would carry them, maybe even WalMart.

The crochet thread in your picture looks thicker than the kind that I use. I have a sharp needle with a good eye, and have no problems. I have tried the curved needles, but they don't work for me -- always slipping to the wrong angle.

I personally do not like curved needles. I am fortunate to have a collection of antique hand sewing needles and I use those with large eyes to tie quilts. Here's a tip for needles that do not push through fabric, from Ami Simms, I think: Run your needle through your hair. The oil help the needle to glide through your fabric.