For something like this, there isn't going to be delicate sewing happening. Buy some heavy gauge sewing needles and 10 lb Kevlar fishing line. It's thin and tough as hell. I would also throw in a thimble. Sometimes you have to use the thimble to get through tight weaves of heavy material. The thimble will stop from overbending the needle and breaking it in these situations. Just trust an old and no longer qualified rigger on this one.