Place the patch over the damaged area so that its grain direction matches that of the surface underneath.
(2) - Place the patch over the area containing the defect, and orient it to match the grain direction of that surface.
Before we leave this topic, may I repeat the caution with regard to grain direction.
Ideally the grain direction of the paper runs vertically in a 'paper' card: otherwise the card may curl horizontally and fall over.
Handmade papers including most decorative papers, Ingres papers, Japanese paper and tissues, all characterized by lack of grain direction.
Fiber/fibre - the fine tube-like structure of wood which is hollow and determines the grain direction.
It is made by gluing together three or more veneers, or thin sheets of wood, with the grain directions crossed.
The grain direction can be determined by looking at the edge or side of the work piece.
Next, place the patch over the defect and orient it so its grain direction matches that of the surface underneath.
By alternating the grain direction of the veneers from layer to layer, or "cross-orienting", panel strength and stiffness in both directions are maximized.