get hold of a leather makers hand awl , they use a modified awl for hand stitching leather , then rub dubbin into the stitching to prolong the life of the stitching and to water proof it , and don't stab yourself with the fucker .
You can pick up 'leather needles' at almost any fabric/sewing/anythingofthatnature store. Still a bitch to use. What I do is I duct tape up my right thumb and forefinger tips to help in pushing the needle through the material without breaking the skin in my fingers with the back of the needle.
I always use liquid stitch to fasten patches on my clothing. I do not know how well it would work with leather but it is cheap, holds damn good, wont come off with water, but can come off in the future if you want it to