The John James - finest quality sewing needles. Regular Embroidery Needle - Sizes 5. The most popular embroidery needle sizes are from 6 to 10. Sometimes these embroidery sewing needles are used in general sewing because of their larger eyes than that of the Sharp sewing needle. The diameter of each sewing needle is identical to its equivalent in the Sharp family and therefore the needle will not pierce the fabric during general sewing. Embroidery needles are sometimes referred to as crewel needles. Very similar to a sharps needle, they have a longer eye than that of a sharp, making them suitable for threading stranded cotton/floss. Larger sizes are ideal for embroidering heavy fabric with twisted yarn. 16 embroidery needles per pack.