Homespun is looser weave than quilt cotton....I have never used it, but I'm asking if a smaller piecing stitch would make it less likely to shred? - like 1.8 or 2? Also the 8-10" spread between quilting lines would probably be a stress factor......maybe, if there is no quilting lines in the effected pieces, you could cut another piece, remove the machine stitched ones and hand applique the new ones in their place......just another thought......but then again, who's to say others won't shred with additional washings........sorry it happened......