What's your favorite needle type and size when stitching down binding?
 

Recently I switched to an applique needle and the hand stitching seemed to go faster. Do you have a favorite???

I like a straw needle, which is often used for applique.

John innes no 10 short length. My friends find it too short and too small an eye but I love them for applique all hand work. At present doing an applique class and having to use a big fat poker, instructions from teacher. I'm doing as I'm told but not comfortable stitching. Apparently has something to do with not making a popping sound when eye comes through fabric.

What is a straw needle ?

Some nice information about needles on this site

http://quilting.about.com/od/handpie...r-Quilters.htm

I really like a #10 between (short and small), but I have also used the straw needles.

Straw needles are thin/ fine, straight, long needles- another name for Milners. Often used for Beading because they are a consistent thickness, not ( fatter in the middle) .
I often use Sharps and of course the size depends on the weight of the thread I'm using. If I'm stitching with fine, silk thread I use a small, fine size, if stitching with a heavier thread I use a larger size. I like longer needles for some projects so do choose straw/Milners at times too.
Superior Threads is a good resource site with lots of information about different needles- types, sizes, uses, threads. A good place to learn about the differences.

I don't really have a favorite for hand sewing the binding. I'll grab whatever is handy at the time. It's usually #10 between's (Roxanne's) as that is what I hand quilt with. Other times it's just some generic hand sewing needle that got stuck in the pin cushion.

thank you for the link. very informative and helpful.

I also use a straw needle.

I use an embroidery needle with a large eye.