@Piss_Ant @FemaleIsNotAFeeling If you absolutely have no choice but to repair it yourself, don't use a giant needle or awl to punch through the leather. Instead, get a nail and sharpen the point to a very sharp and narrow point with a small steel file, and carefully hammer it through the leather (using a wooden board underneath) at all the points that need to be sewn, and you should be able to use a large size conventional sewing needle for the task. Use strong jewelry cording instead of regular thread, and seal the knots with glue or clear nail polish. The mend should hold well for years.