Betweens needles were designed specifically for hand quilting. More specifically, they were made for the traditional hand quilting done at a quilting frame or hoop. When using the traditional "rocker" method of hand quilting, the needle's short shank provides easy control. The Betweens needle is thicker than other needles, giving it added strength for moving through a quilt's multiple layers. Equally small quilting stitches are possible with any size of Betweens needles. Make your needle choice based on its comfort in your hand and your ability to thread it. The Size 12 Betweens needle is very short and very thin. Many hand quilters prefer it for getting the smallest of stitches. The eye of the Size 12 Betweens is tiny; some 100% cotton quilting threads are too large to thread through it's eye. The Size 11 Betweens needle is the same length and a little thicker than the Size 12. If the Size 12 breaks often or if is too difficult to thread, you may find the Size 11 Betweens to be a better choice.