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I would remove the remaining black fabric then sew either a blanket stitch or straight stitch around the exposed fabric edges of the other blocks to stabilize them; leaving the pink fabric peaking through as if it were intended originally as a design element.

If it were mine, I'd probably replace those wings with another fabric. I hope there aren't a gazillion of them.

I think I would just let the gingham wings wear off - and the buttonhole stitch would show where the wings were - assuming the background fabrc is still intact.

it took me a bit to see that. very cute really. still maybe if she's to use this quilt you should replace it. or applique over that fabric. either way, i'm sure she will love it. Good luck.

I would leave it as is. You could use Fray Block on it to keep it from fraying. Fray Block does not make it stiff.

If it were me. I would just replace the bad pieces and do blanket stitch to try and match it the way other pieces were done.

I like Sephie's ideas on this. since it's as old as it is,I'm assuming that it's not being used on the regular bed, etc but is used decoratively so that it's not getting wear and tear or direct sunlight, etc. Remember if you add fabric to it to fix it, it will basically change the date of the quilt as appraisers always go from the latest fabric. so keep as is!

Is the quilt now yours or does it belong to your friend? If she says "it adds another story", it sounds like she wants to leave it as it is. She does need to be aware that this is fragile and needs extra care/not heavy use though and it isn't going to take to frequent laundering. It has now become a "display" quilt and not a "use" one. You do know that any fix will diminish the quilt's vintage status?--if that is of any concern. Adding today fabric may be too bright for the age of what you already have, too.

Isn't there another product now that is similar to Fray Check that leaves a softer edge? Fray Check can leave a hard surface.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephie (Post 8342417)

It looks like the applique was done directly onto the background fabric without cutting away any of the background fabric behind the applique. Is this correct? I also see no batting coming through the background fabric. Do you feel the background fabric remains intact?

If this is correct, then it seems the structural integrity of the quilt remains safe and that the applique, while damaged, is merely decorative. Because the quilt has such sentimental value, you should definitely consult with your friend on how she feels about using it. Personally, I would feel fine using the quilt since the background fabric keeps the batting safely enclosed. I would want to keep the quilt as close to how the person who made it as possible if it were me, but that is totally up to your friend.

I've also seen suggested to cover the torn parts with something like tulle to try to protect it some? But again, in this case, it seems you would only be protecting the decorative aspect of the appliques, and not because it was actually because the quilt was so damaged it was unusable. I believe it is still very functional, as long as the background fabric remains intact. If your friend prefers a new applique, you can also try to match the fabric and replace :)

I agree with Sephie, it adds charm to the quilt. If this fabric was only used on the butterfly wings, I would add a layer of find tulle, but otherwise leave it as is.

I agree to keep it as such and maybe just add a little of fray block