I think it depends on the look that you want for your quilt. I just did a baby quilt using perle cotton #8. I loved doing it without a hoop or thimble; loved the colors and how it looks. I am about to start a second one after Christmas. I don't know much else about it; just got some info from Blondie, looked at the ones she did (on her albums) and went for it. I used it on some mug rugs and love them too.