The John James - finest quality sewing needles. JJ18813 Regular Chenille Sewing Needle - Crewel / Ribbon Embroidery. Chenille sewing needles are large eye needles and are identical to a Tapestry or a Cross Stitch Needle in length and in diameter. However, the Chenille point is sharp, rather than round and blunt and is used in the art of crewel embroidery and ribbon embroidery. Originally they were used for chenille work, hence the name. A size 13 and a size 14 are commonly used for heavy and coarse fabrics. Each size comes in a 2 needle pack.