How to fix a hole in a fine-knit sweater dress

[brightonpebble]

I've got a very fine-knit grey washable wool sweater dress from Uniqulo with a large (about 1" +), ragged irregular hole in the back, near the hem. Any ideas as to how to fix it?

I've tried a primitive version of darning with thread, but the hole is too big with too many loops on the edges. I was thinking maybe of getting two ovals of grey felt and sticking them to either side of the hole with fabric glue. (maybe in shape of a flower, then put a few other felt flowers along the hem). Would that work? Any other ideas?

Thanks!

Is it long enough to hem it above the hole?

The applique sounds reasonable.

yes i would go with the felt flowers around the hem, it will make it look quite nice i think and certainly a lot more individual.

Thanks! BTW, I've never used fabric glue. Are there different types? Which would be the best? I tried the fusible webbing stuff once for a hem and it didnt last one wash - is there something stronger, or should I just be careful about washing cold and no dryer?

I have repaired small holes in merino jumpers by proper darning ie 'reknitting' the fabric with the spare bit of wool that came with it
looks great and wears well but my GOD it is tedious and takes forever

go to proper haberdashery or craft shop and look at their fabric glues

or agree rehemming sounds v sensible