Thread the needle with a length of thread approximately 24 inches (~61 cm) long and tie a knot at one end of the thread. For more details see Needles and Thread.

In the pictured repair, embroidery floss is used for visibility.

Insert the needle up from the backside so it emerges just beside the edge of the patch without piercing through it.

Pull tight so the thread knot is flush against the back of the fabric.