Heartbreaking for sure, but better with you than when the giftee washed it.
While you are thinking of repairs, also think about why it happened. Some fabrics shred when you look at them. was this homespun or silky or flannel?
Did you use poly thread? It melts under a hot iron, but when everything is pressed nice and neat it doesn't show up at a glance . those inadvertently open seam will shred left to their own divices in the washer, or over time with use.
Are you sure of your 1/4"? by measuring the finished block? If the block isn't square look at the 'behind' seams, where fabric can shift and leave you with an 1/8" seam.
How did you do the quilting? Just because batt says it can be quilted up to 10" apart, doesn't mean the quilt doesn't need any more than that.
I'm sure the members here will have some more ideas on how to avoid this happening in the future.
Each step in making a quilt is the most important step
