You might want to try Schmetz Embroidery needles. They are really sharp and may give you less problems with the batik. The only place I have found those for the long arm machines is through Purple Daisies LLC - that is Sharon Schamber's daughter's online business. I quilt on a BabyLock Tiara which is made by HandiQuilter and is the same as their Sweet Sixteen. Since I switched to these needles, my stitches seem to be more even and tension is less of a problem. Good luck with it!!