It's really cute!
I don't think that most things that are totally hand done will hold up to the washing and wear that a machine sewn garment/item will. So, my advice, as much as you may detest it, would be to make friends with your sewing machine!
Tying would be okay, though, but not quite as tough, probably, and if you want the same overall effect (it won't be quite the same, though) use white thread to tie it with--at least on the white background.