I have read somewhere that some restorers of quilts will recommend using tulle basted over torn areas to keep it intact rather than trying to patch...forgot why-- guessing maybe because that fabric is so fragile it will just split when you attempt to put a needle/thread thru it.......I have an antique quilt found reasonably at a local antique store....bed size, but parts of it are very thin/worn away so cotton is showing. I do not use it...it hangs gracefully on a quilt hanger (good side showing) for all to see.....in a area that does not get direct sunlight.......