What I use for beading needles are usually John James short sharp beading needles for my lazy stitch and applique projects. I typically use a number 11 beading needle as on some of my #10 beads the #10 needle won’t go through. I don’t like using the #12 needle as it tears up my fingers. The longer needles are for loom work which I don’t do. The needle size is and approximation for the size of the needle you will want. I say approximation, because I use a mixture of beads consisting of old (older than 100 years), vintage (older than 50 years), and modern and from different manufactures.
I typically use number 10 and 11 seed beads. You will find that the bead size will very between manufacture even though they are sold as the same size. I have found that the hole size is not consistent in the old beads and with many of the low-cost beads.
I think that if you purchase good modern beads, you won’t have this problem and you will find it much easier to keep your rows straight and level.
In some cases, I need to go to a number 12 needle in order to load some old #10 beads. Also, when making several passes through a bead, as in when I make rosettes, I will use a #12 needle.
For thread, I use Nymo thread Size B thread. According to Crazy Crow, “Size “A” or “00” Nymo is best for 13/0 and smaller beads; Size “B” is good for 11/0 and 12/0 and size “D” works well for both 10/0 and 11/0 beads. Size “F” is quite heavy and is good for 5/0 & 8/0 pony beads.”
One of our forum members, Waksupi, has said that he uses cotton wrapped polyester for his beading projects.
I purchase my supplies from local bead shops, Shipwreck Beads out of Lacey, WA, and Crazy Crow. You could probably get the needles from Amazon, although I try to avoid in favor of local stores.
I hope this helps.