The needle's the thing...big ball point needles are the way to go (see your other thread).
I'm very sorry to have to disagree with you, but this is soooo the wrong advice. Please don't follow this.

Ball point needles were made to be used with KNITS, not wovens. You will find that you are punching through the threads probably damaging the fabric. You'd find that the fabric will wear away faster at the seam because of this.

Match your needles to the type of the the fabric and make sure that they're in good condition. Which means if you run over pins you should change your needle every project or sooner if your needle starts to pull threads as it sews. If you're the type to take pins out before you sew over them, your needle will last a lot longer.

Size of the needle matters as well. Bigger needles for thicker fabrics. If you've ever tried hemming jeans with a size 9 (75) needle, it'll snap every time. Use a size 16 (100) Universal or Denim needle.

If you're sewing canvas for kilts with pleats. You would do best to use a size 16 (100) or 18 (110) size needle either Universal or Denim type.

Also, if you use a Singer sewing machine, only use Singer needles. If you don't use a Singer sewing machine NEVER use Singer sewing needles. There is a difference in length of the Singer needles by a couple of mm. The difference can actually make a difference with the timing of the needle passing by the bobbin to pick up the bobbin thread and may cause skipped stitches or in worse cases, damage to the bobbin.

I use Schmetz needles. Always a quality needle and if you wait when they're on sale at Fabricville, FabricLand or Joannes you can get a good deal.