A suture passing device includes a notchless tubular needle having a preformed curved shape. One or more cleats are disposed within the needle to help secure suture engaged by the sharp distal tip of the needle and to prevent further bifurcation of the suture. The deformable needle is housed in a channel of a lower jaw having a curved guidepath that approximates the curved geometry of the preformed needle, thereby facilitating the consistent return of the needle to its preformed shape each time the needle exits the channel. A dual needle suture passing device is also provided having a second notchless needle to enable a mattress stitch. Methods of loading a suture onto a notchless needle in a suture passer are also provided.