Patching drywall requires you to cut a clean hole in the wall, cut a patch to fit, screw the patch into place on the wall and tape around the joint before mudding. It may seem counterintuitive to cut a bigger hole in the wall, but it is the only way to get a strong, smooth finish in the end.
You can cover up small patches with these kits, but it will need a full repair for large holes. If your wall is damaged in an area over about 4 by 4, then you should give it a full repair to make it last longer. It will also aid in mending the wall's structural integrity.
Even if you aren't handy around the house, you can easily patch drywall like a pro. How to patch a hole in drywall is a simple task. Most drywall repair consists of fixing dents, nail and screw holes, cracks and popped nail heads. This type of damage is minor and can be fixed quickly and easily.
When thinking about joint compound or spackle for cracks, the rule of thumb is to use spackle on small cracks or nail holes. However, if you get larger cracks or holes in the wall, you will need drywall compound and drywall tape to patch the hole.