From the front side, insert the needle at least one needle‑length diagonally away from the damage, approximately 2 inches (~51 mm), and come up 1/4 inch (~6 mm) diagonally away from one corner of the damage.

Pull the needle and thread through, leaving a short tail.

This will secure the threads out of the way of the sewing area. At the end of the repair, the yarn ends will be stitched into the back of the repair.

This technique is used instead of knotting because knots are often uncomfortable and ineffective with heavier knits.