The spike on the end of an agave plant can be used as a makeshift needle if your in the southwest. It has a fibreous "thread" already attached to it. Also you could use a paper clip or stiff whire twisted to form a needle (just bend in the middle and twist to form an eye. I also found these http://www.wrights.com/products/catalog/boyeline/7508_lg.htm which are plastic and these http://www.achildsdream.com/handwork_supplies/knit_sew_crochet/sewing.htm which are wooden. Hope this helps