I think advice from quilterpurpledog is very good. I would also make the seam allowance a little bit bigger like 3/8" to help stabilize ...I have never had to patch but have had cases where the fabric was a little shorter than the batting and have been able to fix with a larger seam...this only works if it is a very small amount missing. Good luck. I would not fuss too much if going to remain at home....probably not many people will see it and if you don't tell hubby...he will probably not know the difference.