I’ve found the rivet-type button as used to close the waist of blue jeans to be handy. It’s just slightly big for use on khaki pants but will work. Does anyone make smaller rivet-type buttons?

As to an awl, I’m looking for something like a brass bead to epoxy or J-B Weld an awl needle into (after roughing up the chrome plating of the needle). This should make a small, kit-sized awl with handle.