Insert the needle up from the backside of the fabric, about 1/8 inch (~3 mm) diagonally away from the end of the tear. Pull tight so the knot is flush on the backside.

Pierce down into the fabric 1/4 inch (~6 mm) away from the first stitch, on the opposite side of the tear, then bring the needle back up right next to the first stitch, about 1/8 inch (~3 mm) away. Pull through.

The first stitch will be in the undamaged fabric before the tear. This will serve as an anchor that stabilizes the rest of the stitch line.