So, it's like a speed sew or something?

I think you're probably right. I worry a little that it will show more and more when the fabric fades as it gets older, but at the end of the day, a black top with a polka dot of flesh color doesn't really work either. ;)

I should state at this point that I've never darned (or not in close to 30 years) by hand. By machine would be not recommended here, right?

If the shirt is dressier could you find several black sequin applique pieces to stitch on in several places--or even use the sequin trim that comes on a roll to make your own design over the holes after you have stitched them so they don't get any larger. Seems like a lot of T-shirts are sparkly this fall so you'd be right in style.

I had a lovely cream thin sweater jacket and it had tiny holes. I embroidered colorful flowers on all the holes.

An iron on mending patch works well...

That's what I do! I use the soft, knit fusible - just enough to cover the hole, and fuse it in place. They knit fusibles don't usually change the feel of the fabric like the non-wovens do, and if your hole is not in a place where you want an appliqué, this is better than getting rid of the shirt!

I have done the same thing, then using two or three strands of embroidery thread, I make a lazy daisy stitch urging the center of the tear as the center, then make a few more sprinkled to look intentional. I like the lazy daisy, but you could use any simple design the same way.

Thanks ladies! It looks like I may have to start learning some basic hand embroidery, if only just to mend some delicate things I don't want to throw away.

I completely agree! I think I even have a little bit of lightweight -black- knit fusible interfacing. I don't know why it never occurred to me to look at it!
thanks for this idea! I can picture it in my head, so I should be able to try it out. I've got the shirt in the wash right now, and when it's out and dry, I'll try out some of these ideas ladies, thanks so much!