If you spend enough time among knitters and crocheters, you will hear the phrase “had to frog it” or “am frogging it.” Frogging is a term that may leave you scratching your head. Knitters and crocheters use the phrase “frogging” to refer to the process of ripping out stitches, whether it is to fix a minor error or because they no longer like working on the item.

There’s zero connection between frogs and the practice of ripping out sutures. Then, how did this practice get the label “frogging”? Honestly, it’s just stupid. To frog, we just “tear it, rip it” from stitch to stitch. It sounds like “ribbit, ribbit,” doesn’t it? Precisely. It was perhaps because of this absurd likeness that the name “frogging” was first used (by an unknown individual).

How to AVOID frogging?

• Don’t skip swatching!

It’s a simple fix but hard to implement. It’s tempting to forego swatching in favor of a faster process, but in the long run, you’ll save more time by doing it. To prevent yourself from jumping in without thinking things through, make this your new motto.

• Include Shaping in The Swatch

Think about the general architecture of your design and aim to integrate its shape into your swatch. Shaping a shawl, the yoke of a sweater or the crown of a cap all need adjustments. 

• Don’t Make The Swatch Too Tiny

Extend the size of your swatch as far as you see fit. Make sure your swatch is big enough to see the whole stitch or color pattern and the effects of gravity and wear. 

Can you reuse frogged yarn?

Yes, you can reuse the frogged yarn. Here’s how:

• Carefully untangle the yarn ends and wind it onto a niddynoddy. Tie the yarn ends using thread or waste yarn.

• The niddynoddy yarn is kinky when you remove it. Knitting or crocheting with this yarn will provide bad results, so you need to straighten it.

• Just soak the yarn and let it absorb no need to agitate it. Now, dump the water and gently push the yarn to remove excess water.

• Soak the yarn on a thick towel and squeeze out additional moisture. Dry your yarn flat on a drying rack.

• After drying, the yarn regains its form and is practically ready for knitting or crocheting.

Did you find what you were wondering about knitting? Come and visit our online store!