Patching a DIY Down TQ

[Mescudi]

So I'm in the process of making a down TQ. After sewing on the first baffle I noticed my thread injector was leaving loose stitches every so often on the underside so I ripped the seam to redo it. While trying to remove the "locked" stitches at the very beginning I managed to put a small hole in the fabric and also damaged an area about inch down I'm guessing by pulling on the fabric. I tried to work with the fabric between my fingers to close the hole but to no avail.

So my question is since I can still access the inner side of the shell can I just cut a patch and stitch it in? If so should I worry about down leakage and what should I do to prevent it? Also should I patch it from the inside or outside?

Hope this all makes sense and thanks in advance for your help!

[nothermark]

AS long as you can easily get to the inside a patch there will look better. As long as you cover the opened section you are fine. The one issue would be if there is a frayed spot that will tend to unravel. I'd run a line of stitches up each side of that.

You could also look at putting on a reinforcement patch at that point if it would look right. ;-)

[The Old Boot]

While a patch on the inside would definitely seal it, put the patch on the outside instead. By doing this you'll cover the torn/damaged spots so that they won't continue to fray. It will also look neater than leaving the damaged fabric hanging out.

If you're creative, you could embroider or pen a custom label (patch) and make it look like you intended it to be there!!

[Mescudi]

Thanks for the quick replies! The patch is a go but just wondering if I need to worry about down leaking out of the stitch holes...

[nothermark]

same as all the other stitch holes....

It does depend on the hole size compared to the thread. You can use a dab of seam sealer on the inside if you can get to it.

[hangnout]

Why not just shorten the TQ an inch? Bet you won't miss it. I would not patch, just sew a short dart putting the frayed edge inside the quilt. By the time you are done you will be the only one that knows its there.

[Mescudi]

Why not just shorten the TQ an inch? Bet you won't miss it. I would not patch, just sew a short dart putting the frayed edge inside the quilt. By the time you are done you will be the only one that knows its there.

That was a really good idea. Wish I would have saw this sooner because I just went ahead and did a patch since I had scraps of the fabric left. Turned out pretty good and not really noticable. Thanks again for the replies. I will try and post pics when I get a chance.