The John James - finest quality sewing needles. Short / Cotton Darners Hand Sewing Needles - Sizes 3/9. Short Darners are sometimes referred to as Cotton Darners. They are strong hand sewing needles with sharp points and long threading eyes and are commonly used for mending and darning using cotton and yarn. Short Darners are available in assorted packs of sizes 3/9 (12 sewing needles). Size 3 54mm length x 0.86mm diameter. Size 5 51mm length x 0.76mm diameter x 12 needles. Size 7 48mm length x 0.69mm diameter x 12 needles. Size 9 45mm length x 0.61mm diameter x 12 needles.