Rip it. Rethink it. Restart with joy. Frogging is part of the process.

If you’ve been knitting or crocheting for any length of time, you’ve likely encountered that moment of dread: something’s not quite right. The stitches are off, the size isn’t working, or maybe… you just don’t love it anymore.

Enter the humble art of frogging—ripping out your hard-earned stitches and starting over. It might feel like defeat in the moment, but I’m here to tell you: frogging is not failure. In fact, it’s a sign of growth, creativity, and courage.

Here’s why it’s absolutely okay—even good—to frog a project.

Frogging is a Learning Experience

Every time you frog, you’re learning something valuable. Maybe you’ve realized that the yarn didn’t match the pattern. Maybe you misread an instruction or underestimated the importance of gauge. Whatever the reason, you’re gaining experience that will serve you on future projects. No YouTube tutorial or how-to book teaches quite like a mistake does.

We often say “practice makes perfect,” but really—practice makes progress. And every stitch, even the ones we pull out, counts.

Every Fiber Artist Is Frogging

Even the most experienced knitters and crocheters frog their work. It’s not a beginner’s mistake—it’s part of the process. If you’ve ever watched a designer work behind the scenes, you’ll know their trash bins and project baskets are full of false starts and mid-project pivots. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not doing anything wrong.

There’s something comforting about this shared experience. We’re all in this together—hook, needle, and yarn.

Something Better Can Arise from the Ashes

Sometimes, letting go of the “okay” opens the door to something amazing. Frogging can free your yarn for a project it was truly meant for. It can allow your creativity to breathe, to rethink and reimagine. I’ve had frogged projects turn into favorite patterns, beautiful gifts, or completely new designs that I never would’ve dreamed up otherwise.

Like a phoenix from the ashes, a new creation is always possible.

Give Yourself Permission to Frog

So if you’re staring at a project that isn’t bringing you joy, let this be your sign: it’s okay to rip it out. It’s okay to start fresh. And it’s more than okay to take pride in the wisdom that comes from beginning again.

Frogging doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re listening—to your instincts, your creativity, and your craft.

Now go forth and frog with confidence. Your yarn (and future you) will thank you.