When I repaired an very old quilt, and didn't want to add anything, but to keep it as good as
it was. I just opened up the worn out pieces, tucked in a piece of voile (tiny lace, like they
use in crinolines) with a piece of steam a seam attached, removed the paper from the steam a seam
and lightly stitch
over the edges. The voile (lace) will keep it all intact and not take away the integrity of the
quilt. Great to hear your repair worked out.