yep, I did fusible web on the inside, then hand stitched an applique on, and signed and dated it with love.....

I always use a fray-check type product on "bad" spots I find. Then, later, you can decide if it needs something more.

What great suggestions! This will turn out to be your best loved and remembered quilt!

Everybody does this at some point, so you're not alone! As I recall, I embroidered a tiny spider web over mine!!

That is what I would do and then add a label on top. If it is not in a good place for a lable...applique a heart over it or a flower....scatter a few around on the back...no one will be the wiser and it will be sweet. I did that on a quilt for my GS after I accidentially cut it...I had "sweet dreams" on one "I love you" on another, etc...it was fun. I used a fabric marker for the messages..

This mistake is how I got started putting a heart on the back somewhere. It does not matter where and it has become my signature. that is the first thing my kids and GKs look for. lol

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions and sympathy. I think I will try the fusible web with a small patch over it. One of the borders has small leaves in the pattern and I think I could applique a scattering of those on and around the tear. I knew I would get some creative ideas from some of you. Thank you so much. I have learned so many things from this board. Great site.

Slip a small square of the same fabric under the cut - preferably with some fusible webbing on it , and carefully arrange and iron the cut closed. With judicious quilting, no-one will ever know the cut is there unless you point it out.