Tabs along the leading edge

[Paul LaMasters]

polyester thread too, (never cotton),... and a thread stand will also help smooth everything out on the finished product, lasting for years!  

Practice until the stitching falls into the middle of the sewn piece from both sides.

don't discount the strength of 3M's 9460 bonding tape either, it doesn't have to be sewn to be super-strong.  This adhesive is made to bond two pieces of metal together, the fabric next to the seam will fail before the bonding ever does.