I've been making travel versions of Tak and Hnefatafl, both chess/checkers-like games. The idea is to embroider or quilt the gameboard on a circle of fabric which can be sinched into a pouch that carries the pieces. If the pieces are heavy enough, they won't blow away :)
That's the goal anyway.
Personally I love visible mending such as embroidery, as I think it gives character and history to a well loved garment.
I would suggest putting leather under the tear with glue to strengthen the area, and then do some decorative stitching over it for added security and design!