I use a triple stitch zig zag on my machine. It doesn't pucker if the settings are right. It is a version of zig zag stitch where three stitches are made on each arm of the stitch, and it will hold things together very well. It is less concentrated than the standard zig zag, more suited to darning. I put a piece of thin cloth on the inside to reinforce fragile items, sewing over the edge of the patch to reduce the strain on the damaged area.

If the colour of the thread is matched to the cloth, it can be difficult to find the repair.

A method used by the UK Navy is to take a piece of plastic bag, place it over the inside of the hole, then add a bit of cloth - and press with an iron. The plastic melts and glues the cloth over the hole. It does require practise to get the right amount of plastic, patch and heat.

I have a specialist powder which does the same thing - melts when ironed to glue on a patch.

You could try using the white PVA wood glue, it dries colourless, and I think there is a waterproof version, and some dark bias binding or tape - the bias binding is lighter weight, but should be adequate.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: