I use a punch awl when doing a few holes and an electric drill with a very small bit (buy extras) when doing a long line of them. Mocking up a pattern in a stiff cloth or such can give you good ideas. My punching surface is an old piece of hardwood from an ash tree we cut down in the yard years ago. Split out a segment, surfaced it and let it season. Careful with the economy suede, it can be fragile at the wear points and don't use if for lacing. There, that's about 2 cents worth.

JMB