Suggestions on how best to mend thinned fabric on dressing-gown

[u/Salty-Eye-5712]

Unsure of what the fabric composition is as it is an extremely old item (older than me at least, I’m in my early 20’s). Mending it for my mother as it was gift from my grandma who recently passed away.

As this area is extremely thin, I’m not sure what’s best to do. The surrounding area seems to be intact.

I was initially thinking of using Sashiko or embroidering flowers over the top and adding reinforcement on the back but open to any other suggestions!!

[u/emkayPDX]

Definitely add reinforcement to the back and then just darn over it, like quilting. I'd choose a reinforcing fabric like flannel or fleece that doesn't fray. Good luck!

[u/Salty-Eye-5712 → u/emkayPDX]

Thank you so much for the suggestion!

I had planned to use a cotton canvas fabric so I’m glad I asked here before starting!!

[u/Kitchen-Owl-7323 → u/Salty-Eye-5712]

I think it may be a challenge to keep this delicate fabric from taking strain at the edges of your mending, too. If possible you may want to extend the reinforcing fabric straight from one seam all the way across to the other, and vertically well outside of the areas of wear, so that the gown doesn't start tearing at the edge of the patch, if that makes sense. And yeah something gentler than canvas for the same reason!

[u/QuietVariety6089]

This looks like a pretty typical nylon or poly fleecy type house coat (?) nightgown (?) fabric. This is in really poor condition (bum wear?) and will be hard to mend comfortably - you can't use any iron ons as the fabric will melt, and bc it's a knit trying to reinforce it and retain the stretch or comfor of the fabric will be difficult.

If this is a house coat and the wear is mostly in the bum area, could you shorten the garment above the wear and make a jacket/shrug? That way your mom could keep using the garment, but it won't be subject to the same kind of wear :)

[u/scarybiscuits]

I’m sorry but this is going to be a wasted effort since so much of the fabric is worn out. Since it has sentimental value, I suggest you take the undamaged portions and use them creatively. Like the sleeves could be made into a bolster pillow. If the front is less worn, then a larger heart-shaped? pillow. Small pieces sewn into sachets for dresser drawers or by adding ribbons, hung from hangers in the closet. Embroidering flowers would be a nice touch.