I use Mettler thread on my Bernina 1530 and normally I use either a 12 or a 14 size of Schmetz quilting needles. There is an very informative chart when I Google Schmetz needles describing what each type of needle is for. Universal needles are a general purpose needles for using on both knits and woven.

http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learni...C-brochure.pdf