I tried the copper wire way of stitch and glue and became frustrated. A man in the woodshop suggested using heavy styrene fishing line and running a continuous stitch about 4 foot long before knotting. You can tighten this up with a screw driver by puling the line and working the slack to one end and then knotting it. After epoxying just snip the loops and pull out with pliers. It worked great for me and I only had small holes to show! I could explain this better if you consider this method, just e mail me. What ever route you take I'm sure your kayak will be wonderful!