What is this?

I couldn't resist buying this needle with two eyes at the local op shop for 50 cents - but what it is for I don't know.  Does anyone out there know?  It's flat where the eyes are and round in between, about 2 - 3 inches long.  It has tiny points at each end but is not sharp and otherwise two wide and flat to go through normal woven fabric.  Tapestry possibly - but why two eyes?  It looks quite old as it is a bit bent and discoloured.

What is this two-eyed needle used for? 

©Christine Linton