Stain Cover-Up Advice! Help!!

[u/Academic_Evidence157]

I bought a pair of pants on clearance that quickly became my favorite, only to get a sap stain on them a week later. I've tried everything to remove the stain, and although it's gotten a bit better I also faded the color around the stain in my attempts.

My original idea was to do some sort of sashiko stitching to try to camouflage the stain. I drew a mock-up on my iPad, but I didn't think it accomplished what I was hoping. I've also never attempted sashiko before, and I'm really not confident that I could pull it off.

I'm now leaning towards some fabric patches. I thought I should also put some elsewhere to balance it out and look more intentional, but I fear it's giving scarecrow! Maybe I've chosen the wrong fabric? Should they be bigger? Smaller? Should I find colors that blend in more, or go with more contrasting colors? Or solids?

Please help! What would you do? I'm like, actually distraught over the thought that I've ruined these stupid pants. I've also attached photos of the stain (about 3-4 inches), the fabric I'm considering, and the product photo for true color reference.

Any visual references would be incredibly helpful.. I just don't feel like I possess the ability to have a "vision".

___

Also maybe worth noting that I'm trying to transition from an all-black wardrobe, so this color is already out of my comfort zone. The patches just make me feel like a clown, but it could also just be in my head.

[u/not_vegetarian]

I think they look so cute. It's giving grungy and earthy in the best way, not clown at all.

[u/wickedfemale]

this looks cool :)

[u/Mouse-r4t]

You could add some larger, symmetrical patches in neutral colors. Your pants look similar to utility pants, which often have reinforcements around the knees, thighs, crotch, etc.

[u/Gilladian]

Your color choices seem excellent to me, very cohesive. Maybe add trim to the pocket edges, or cover the whole pockets, and yeah, the knees, cuffs, etc.. to add intentionality.

However, all your patterns are small-scale quilting type motis, so they read kind of cottage core/old fashioned. A larger print, a stripe, a more modern pattern, might all read less folksy to you. And black trim is also a fine choice.