The trick is
1. Scuff the tube around the hole.
2. Spread glue in an area bigger than the patch.
3. Let the glue dry.
4. Apply patch from the center outward.
5. Done.

Steps 2 and 3 are the most important in the patching part. The only thing more important is to make sure whatever caused the flat isn't still in your tire. If you mount your labels in line with the stems, you can get a pretty good idea where the offender is.