I think the idea of attaching a small piece of canvas/linen to the back of the hole would prevent the tear from getting worse and would minimize the look of it from the front, but it wouldn't make the hole disappear completely. I don't think anything would.
Also, you'd need to be very cautious about any glue or other substance you use to attach the piece to the back. Anything that's not archival will damage your painting because of the acid coming into contact with the raw linen fibers on the back of the painting.
Hate to say it, but if this is an important painting you should talk to a professional conservator (contact your local art museum) or begin the painting again.
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