I think if you only want to sew this one project and you're not interested in anything else than I would recommend using your buddy's equipment or buying a product out right.
You would need stronger machine than just a 200$ home machine. You could buy used and get an older still very capable machine but your going to want to put time into learning exactly what machine you would need what to look for and what you can do to fix the machine if there are any issues.
If you think you would like to get into this hobby then dive straight in! It is doable, but not as easy as it looks and I am speaking from learning this myself!
Needles your looking at needing a 18 - 22 guage.
Thread your going to want at minimum 69/ tex 70.
Juki's are great machines to look into. Don't fool yourself into thinking there is a do it all machine. There are close but you still might need another machine.
A Juki 2000QI I have has been very capable. It can sew through some stuff. But it struggles with multiple layers of 1000D Cordura and webbing. I ended up getting another machine, a Juki 1541S and that thing is a beast. But it struggles with only one or two layers of just cordura because its simply not thick enough.
When starting your project draw it out. Try to see every angle and if possible build it first out of paper or boxes. This will save you from getting half way done and realizing you should have done something different or ruining the materials you had.
Once your done with these two steps and you have finalized your process write down the steps so you don't forget what needs done first. When you begin the project work slow so you can minimize mistakes.
I fooled myself at the beginning thinking it would be easy making a lot of this stuff. It has a huge learning curve. I am still figuring out very basic things and some mistakes have cost me in a sense. But I am very happy I started as I really enjoy sewing and it allows me to put ideas to actual projects.
Other machines to consider would be Juki 8700H. A little more than the Juki 2000QI but its going to be stronger. It's close to the most all around machine there is. All you have to do is change out the feed dogs and presser foot to make it a regular 8700 which is more than capable for light / medium fabrics.
Sewing machine and sewing supplies are available on GoldStar Tool, your #1 stop for all things sewing including grommets, Singer sewing machines and more!
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and
Sewing Gold offers unparalleled customer service, respond faster, and the largest inventory of industrial sewing machines and parts.
sewinggold.com
Are great places to buy your machine if you want to go with a new one. The customer service has been great with both.
Amann Strongbond Nylon Bonded Thread Tex 70 has a length of 3,827 yards and the stock number is #2000, this thread is perfect for heavy-duty seams, leather goods, and outdoor gear. Shop Wawak today!
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and
The thread exchange specializes in the kinds of thread and needles not found in stores and other sites. We have huge selections of nylon, polyester, kevlar, and robison=anton threads
www.thethreadexchange.com
Are great places for needles, threads and other sewing materials.
Here are some charts that go over different sewing needles/threads you can use. The last one is a fabric reference guide.
Shop for Schmetz Serv Industrial Machine Needles. Specialized design with unique features - hump scarf to create large thread loop and reinforced cutting blade. Great for thick materials. Huge selection and lowest prices on over 24,000 Products. Free shipping on orders of $99+
www.wawak.com
Your going to want a cutting board, rotary cutter, good fabric scissors, chalk, fabric tape, fabric glue, and something to hold your materials together. I use a mixture of Drift and regular binder clips. Ruler, Tape measurer.
This is all I can think of right now. Its a big investment up front but its more productive than a lot of other things. It also is a great skill to have and while some of the things I have made are not that great, I have been able to mess around and edit some of my hunting gear or help repair stuff for friends.
I say go for it, but only you know yourself and interests and what you MAY save in money will still cost you more in time. Id say if this is your first project triple the amount of time you think it will take. I am always running into something that takes way longer to figure out. Then there is trouble shooting why your stitches are loose, why this is working, why your machine is doing this. This may be more streamlined for you due to having a mentor. I have spent a lot of time browsing threads, youtube videos, forums to teach myself.
There are a lot of resources to learn sewing. Plenty of free places to teach you how to make a tent. You can take those in helping you craft your design.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask me here or DM me I am more than happy to help in any way as long as your patient with my atrocious writing style.
