Sewing machine needles are made with differently shaped points and shank thicknesses.
I don't know how to post a link to a needle chart - but I hope someone will do that for you.
i would probably be using a 14/90 sharp for quilting with a 3.0 stitch length. Others will probably have different preferences.
the needle tips I remember are ballpoint, universal, and sharps. There are others available.
Ballpoint needles have a rounded tip especially designed for seeing knits.
Sharp are very pointed.
universals are between.
For seeing denim - there are special denim needles - I think about about a good 100/16.
My numbers may be a bit off.
Anyway- I think you are using a needle too puny for the jjob.