I've used steam a seam and a product called Bonash when my quilt machine stopped with the needle down but my robotics kept going. Luckily I was right there when it happened so I could stop the robotics before it ripped clear across my quilt. This happened a couple times until I was able to convince the machine company there was a problem with their machine. The Bonash uses heat to bind the product they have to sprinkle over the hole. Think they also ask you to add a piece of the fabric under the hole too. I had to do this to both sides but it worked. It was my mother's quilt this happened to and its been 7 years now and the area has never come apart. Otherwise a suggestion would be to add an applique over the hole to hide it on both sides if necessary.
As to ripping a hole with your ripper, I find pulling out the seam from one side or the other and not down the middle my best bet. I also ripped a hole when I went down the middle of the seam. True, its faster and easier but I like safer for me as my hands tend to tremble at times so I go for safer in my case.