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Frogging Crochet
Frogging a crochet project is an unavoidable task sometimes. No matter how careful you are, at some point, you’ll find that you need to unravel a large crochet project for some reason or another.
But I’m getting ahead of myself, as I often do. Let’s take a step back.
What is Frogging in Crochet and Knitting?
When you’re knitting or crocheting, frogging a project means ripping out stitches. It could be just a few stitches, a few rows, or even the entire project.
The crochet term “frogging” probably started as sort of play on words. As far as I know, we haven’t traced it back to the source.
When you make a mistake in crochet, what do you do? You Rip it.
And that sounds kind of similar to, Ribbit. And thus, the term frogging was born. (Personally, I like the pun!)
Pin this Tutorial for Later!
How Can I Frog My Project Quickly?
So back to the point of this story. What is the fastest way to frog a crochet project quickly?
My personal preference is to use a yarn ball winder. This keeps your yarn nice and tidy, instead of allowing it to tangle.
This yarn winder is my absolute favorite! It has a special home in my kitchen where it’s used daily. (Though usually for happier tasks, like caking new yarn!)
Video Tutorial for How to Frog Crochet Quickly
Here’s a quick video tutorial I made demonstrating how to frog a crochet project with a yarn ball winder.
As you can see, hours of work are put right back into a nice, neat little cake of yarn in mere moments. There are no tangles, and the yarn is ready to be used again right away, without having to stop and wind it into a ball by hand.
But only after this ornery yarn sits in timeout for a few days.
Karen Mccormick says
I bought one and I love it. Great for taking apart a project or rewinding a skein that has gotten into a mess
Katie says
Yes! So glad you love your winder too, Karen. They’re really so handy to have in your stash!
Happy hooking,
Katie
Linda Wade says
Thank you. I really learn alot from your videos.
Katie says
Hi Linda!
So glad to hear that you like these videos! Thank you for taking the time to leave me this nice little note!
Katie
Gramz says
Very good idea!! can you tell me what winder you use? If not that is ok, thanks for this video.
Katie says
Hey Gramz! I use the Knit Picks Yarn Winder, it’s super affordable and has lasted me through 6+ years of me accidentally dropping it every time I take it off the table, LOL! So pretty sturdy!
Thanks,
Katie
Shirley Pack says
OMG Thank you so much……. I’ve spent MANY HOURS frogging and untangling piles of yarn and no matter how careful I am I still wind up with a tangled mess. I got my new winder today and my life is changed FOREVER!!!!! I don’t write reviews very often but this magic machine deserves praise!
Katie says
Hi Shirley!
I’m so glad this made one of the worst parts of crocheting just a little better for you! I agree, yarn winders are magic, and every crocheter should have one!
Thanks for stopping by with such a lovely comment!
Love, and yarn,
Katie
Karen Henry says
This is freaking BRILLIANT!! The only downside & it’s minor, is that you have to cut your yarn & rejoin it when your ready to continue. I knit as well & I see no reason this tip wouldn’t work for knitting too with one additional step. You need to add a lifeline to your piece at the row where you want to stop frogging. Once you hit the lifeline, you just slip your stitches back on your needle. The lifeline also makes sure your stitches are all facing the same way.
Thanks for sharing this EXCELLENT suggestion!! Have a great day!
Karen
Katie says
Hey Karen!
So glad you liked it! I would definitely look into learning the magic knot for joining- you can save yourself that step! I talk about it in my sscrap yarn cake tutorial I think. Hope that helps!
Katie
Jan Waddell says
I bought my yarn winder last year and used it several times for froggjng projects! It really is fast, and you have a nice ball of yarn afterwards. Best thing I ever invested in!
Katie says
Hey Jan!
I completely agree, my yarn winder is about my favorite crochet tool ever! I use it all the time. Thanks for your lovely comment!
Katie