Originally Posted by
QuiltingHaven
I have repaired several "old" quilts. I find fabric that looks like it belongs in the quilt. Then, I cut a piece the size of the "holey" fabric plus 1/4" for the seam and then I do one of two things. Either I iron, the quarter inch under and gently sew the new piece (by hand) into the area right on top of the old one OR I gently remove the damaged piece and sew the new piece (by hand) into the spot. Both have worked well and no one can tell the difference. I wash the fabric I am going to use and starch it and iron it. Hope this gives you some ideas.
This is the way I do it too.....but if you have several patches that are necessary and you would like the look of the appliqué that is perfectly fine too. I would use fusible webbing to iron it on then hand stitch around it to make it part of the quilt not just a patch.