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Frogging

Frogging is an ornamental form of braiding or cording employed as a fastening mechanism or decorative feature on garments, typically consisting of looped braids that secure over a spindle-shaped button known as a frog. The term also refers to other concepts, such as unraveling stitches in knitting and crochet (see Frogging in Crafts).^[1]^[2] This style originated in the 17th century as a practical yet stylish closure for military uniforms, evolving into a prominent emblem of rank and prestige among elite regiments such as cavalry and hussars.^[2]^[3] Historically, frogging gained prominence during the 17th to 19th centuries, when it adorned the tunics and jackets of European military officers, often in elaborate patterns to denote regimental identity and social status.^[2] Notable examples include the short-frogged jacket worn by Captain John Grant Malcolmson of the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry around 1860, featuring decorative braiding as toggle fastenings, and a 1895 photograph of Second Lieutenant Winston Churchill in the uniform of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars.^[4]^[5] By the 19th century, frogging extended beyond functionality to ceremonial attire for royalty and officials, as seen in gala dresses with non-functional braided loops concealing actual openings.^[2] In contemporary fashion, frogging persists as a nod to its military heritage, appearing in high-end collections for both menswear and couture.^[2] Designers like Valentino have revived it in intricate patterns, while brands like Balmain incorporate it into modern tailored jackets for a structured, historical aesthetic. This enduring motif bridges utilitarian origins with symbolic elegance, influencing uniform design in diplomatic and equestrian contexts today.^[2]

Frogging in Crafts

In Knitting

Frogging in knitting refers to the process of unraveling knitted stitches to correct errors, salvage yarn, or restart a project, a technique essential for maintaining the integrity of horizontally interlocked stitches that form the fabric's structure. Unlike crocheting, where stitches form independent vertical chains that unravel more straightforwardly, knitted stitches are interdependent across rows, making frogging riskier as it can lead to dropped stitches or ladders—runs of loose yarn resembling a ladder—if not handled carefully. This horizontal interlocking requires precise methods to prevent the fabric from distorting or losing stitches entirely.^[6]^[7] The step-by-step process for safe frogging begins with identifying the row containing the error. For partial unraveling, insert a lifeline—a length of smooth waste yarn threaded through the front loops of every stitch in the row just below the mistake—using a yarn needle or crochet hook to secure the stitches. This acts as a safety net, allowing the knitter to pull the working yarn to frog back to that row without losing progress. Once unraveled, pick up the live stitches onto the knitting needles by inserting the needle tip into each loop on the lifeline, ensuring the stitches face the correct direction (typically with the right side facing for stockinette). For full restarts, remove the needles and pull the yarn from the cast-on edge, winding it into a ball as it unravels, though this method demands re-casting on all stitches afterward. In both cases, work on a flat surface to keep stitches organized and avoid tangles.^[8]^[9]^[7] To minimize risks like ladders, knitters often use stitch holders—small clips or rings—to temporarily secure sections of live stitches during the process, preventing them from unraveling further. A yarn needle facilitates lifeline insertion, while a crochet hook aids in picking up dropped stitches by hooking them and pulling yarn through to reform loops. After frogging, blocking mats provide a gridded surface for pinning and reshaping the reworked fabric with steam or water, restoring its intended dimensions, especially in lace or cable patterns where stitch definition is crucial. These tools ensure controlled handling of the interlocked structure, allowing recovery without permanent damage.^[8]^[7]^[10] The practice of unraveling stitches in knitting gained prominence during the 20th century alongside the rise of home knitting patterns, which proliferated through leaflets and magazines from the early 1900s, peaking during World War II as knitters produced items for the war effort and family needs. This era saw increased adoption of complex designs like Shetland lace shawls and Aran cable sweaters, where intricate stitch patterns demanded reliable error correction to achieve precision without wasting materials. As home knitting became a widespread hobby, such techniques became essential for tackling mistakes in these elaborate works.^[11]

In Crochet

In crochet, frogging refers to the process of unraveling stitches to correct errors or reclaim yarn, a task made relatively straightforward by the craft's linear chain-based structure, which allows stitches to release more easily than the interconnected loops in knitting.^[12] The step-by-step process typically begins by removing the crochet hook from the working loop and gently pulling the yarn tail to unravel chains sequentially, row by row or round by round, until reaching the error.^[12] For more precise correction, crocheters can use the hook to reverse individual stitches—known as "tinking"—by inserting it into the stitch below and pulling the yarn through to undo it without full disassembly, preserving nearby sections.^[13] In cases where partial unraveling is impractical, such as with tightly worked or damaged areas, the yarn can be cut at a salvageable point, allowing the piece to be frogged from there while securing live stitches with markers to prevent further loss.^[14] Unique challenges arise in multi-color projects, where managing multiple yarn strands increases the risk of knots forming during unraveling, often requiring careful separation or cutting individual color sections to avoid complete tangles.^[13] Rapid frogging can also lead to yarn tangling, particularly with fuzzy fibers like mohair, which catch on each other; to mitigate this, crocheters wind the yarn into a loose ball or use a winder as they unravel, maintaining even tension.^[13] Specific examples highlight these mechanics: frogging an amigurumi piece, such as a stuffed toy worked in continuous rounds, demands marking the round before the error to avoid spiraling unraveling, whereas a flat scarf in rows unravels linearly from the top, allowing quicker recovery.^[12] For reusing yarn without felting—especially wool blends—crocheters soak the unraveled hank in cool water to relax curls, gently squeeze out excess moisture without agitation, hang it to dry under its own weight, and rewind into a cake or ball for tension-free crocheting.^[13] Unraveling techniques in crochet became more essential during the 1970s craft boom, when hippie-influenced patterns grew more complex with intricate colorwork and motifs, heightening the need for precise error correction to achieve professional finishes.^[15]

Etymology and Terminology

Origin of the Term

The term "frogging" in knitting and crochet originated in the late 20th century within crafting communities, deriving from the playful onomatopoeia of "rip it, rip it," which mimics the croaking sound of a frog during the process of unraveling stitches.^[16]^[8] An alternative, less supported theory suggests a connection to the frog closure in garment braiding, where unraveling stitches resembles looped braids, though no earlier citations confirm this.^[17] This slang emerged as knitters and crocheters sought humorous ways to describe the frustrating yet necessary act of ripping out work to correct errors or restart projects.^[18] The earliest documented uses appear in online discussions from the mid-1990s, such as Usenet groups where "frog stitch" referred to undoing rows of knitting.^[17] In the 1990s, the term gained traction through word-of-mouth in local guilds and crafting magazines, reflecting a broader revival of handcrafting during that era.^[19] Early internet forums, including pre-social media listservs like the Knitlist, further disseminated it among enthusiasts.^[20] The term's cultural spread accelerated with the rise of digital platforms in the 2000s. Ravelry, launched in 2007 as a dedicated online community for knitters and crocheters, quickly incorporated "frogging" into its lexicon, where users shared experiences of unraveling projects.^[17] Post-2010, YouTube tutorials popularized the slang globally, with creators demonstrating techniques while using the term to connect with viewers through relatable humor.^[21] This online proliferation helped embed "frogging" in contemporary crafting vernacular, often contrasted with more formal descriptions like "unraveling."^[8] Regional variations exist, though "frogging" predominates in American English crafting slang. In British contexts, "tinking"—a term derived from "knit" spelled backward, referring to undoing stitches one at a time—serves as an alternative for smaller corrections, while "frogging" is still widely recognized for larger-scale ripping.^[16]^[19] Despite these differences, the onomatopoeic "frog" basis remains consistent across English-speaking communities.^[18] In the context of knitting and crochet, several slang and technical terms are closely associated with frogging, the process of unraveling stitches to correct errors or restart sections of a project. These terms reflect the community's shared experiences with the challenges of fiber arts, often tying back to the "rip it" action central to frogging's etymology, where rapid unraveling mimics a frog's croak.^[17] "Tinking" refers to the methodical undoing of knitting stitch by stitch, essentially working backwards from "knit," and serves as a slower, more precise alternative to full frogging for addressing minor mistakes in a single row or adjacent rows.^[16] This technique keeps stitches secure on the needles, minimizing the risk of drops, though it becomes labor-intensive for larger corrections, such as multiple rows of complex lace patterns.^[8] In crochet, a similar stitch-by-stitch reversal applies but is less commonly termed "tinking," favoring general undoing methods.^[22] "Yarn chicken" describes the high-stakes gamble of proceeding with a project when yarn supply is uncertain, often resulting in frogging if the material runs short before completion.^[23] This term highlights the tension between creative momentum and practical limitations, such as variations in gauge or skein yardage, and is prevalent in both knitting and crochet communities where designers recommend buffer amounts to avoid such risks.^[24] Humorous slang like "killing" or "executing" a project exaggerates the finality of frogging an entire work, implying its complete dismantling and restart as a drastic measure for irredeemable flaws.^[25] These phrases underscore the emotional weight of abandoning progress, often invoked in jest within crafting discussions to cope with setbacks. A "lifeline" is a precautionary strand of contrasting yarn or thread inserted through all live stitches in a specific row, enabling safer frogging by allowing unraveling only to that point without losing prior work.^[26] Particularly useful in intricate patterns like lace or brioche, it facilitates easy stitch recovery and reduces anxiety during error-prone sections, applicable to both knitting and crochet for projects with risky techniques.^[16] The evolution of these terms has been documented in crafting media, including podcasts like Woolful, which since 2014 has explored fiber arts lexicon through interviews and discussions, and in post-2020 social media trends where memes amplified frogging-related humor amid rising online crafting participation.^[27]

Other Uses

In Fashion

Frogging refers to ornamental loops of cord or braid used as fasteners on garments, typically consisting of a looped braid that secures a toggle known as a frog button for closure. This decorative element originated in 17th-century European military uniforms, where it served both functional and aesthetic purposes on jackets and coats.^[2] The technique gained prominence in the 18th century among prestigious cavalry regiments, such as the Hussars, whose elaborate uniforms featured intricate frogging to denote status and add visual flair. By the Victorian era, frogging had evolved into a staple on frock coats, particularly in military and formal attire, transitioning from battlefield practicality to symbols of rank and ceremony, as seen in portraits of officers like Captain John Grant Malcolmson in 1860. Materials commonly included luxurious silk, wool, or metallic threads like gold, silver, and brass cording, enhancing the opulent appearance of these garments.^[2]^[3] In modern fashion, frogging persists in equestrian wear for its durable yet stylish closure on riding jackets, as well as in opera coats and high-end designs that evoke historical grandeur. Designers have incorporated it into contemporary collections, such as Valentino's Fall 2015 Couture line and Balmain's Fall 2016 Menswear, blending military heritage with luxury tailoring. Variations in frogging size and complexity continue to indicate rank in some ceremonial uniforms.^[2]^[3] Frogging is constructed through hand-braiding methods, where cord is pinned into intricate designs, knotted, and stitched for secure attachment to fabric. These methods allow for customization, ensuring the fastener's both utility and ornamental appeal.^[3]

In Hunting

Frogging in the context of hunting involves the nocturnal pursuit and capture of frogs, particularly bullfrogs, for recreational, subsistence, or culinary purposes, a practice deeply rooted in rural North American traditions. This activity, often called frog gigging, typically occurs along shorelines, riverbanks, or shallow waters where frogs congregate during breeding seasons. Participants use artificial lights to spot and temporarily disorient the amphibians, followed by spearing or manual capture, making it a hands-on method that emphasizes stealth and precision.^[28]^[29] The primary technique entails spotlighting at night, when frogs are most active and vocal, to reflect light off their eyes for easy detection. A bright beam is directed at the frog from a distance of 10-20 feet, stunning it momentarily and preventing escape into the water; this is followed by a quick thrust with a gig or grab by hand if the frog is within reach. This method has been prevalent in rural North America since at least the 19th century, evolving from earlier subsistence practices among settlers and indigenous groups who relied on frogs as a protein source. Modern adaptations include wading quietly in shallow areas to minimize disturbance, with captures concentrated during the frog's spring and summer breeding periods when populations are denser near water edges.^[28]^[30]^[31] Essential equipment includes powerful headlamps or handheld lights with red filters to reduce spooking, multi-pronged frog gigs on 5- to 8-foot poles for safe reach, chest waders for mobility in wetlands, and buckets or stringers for transport. Gigs feature barbed prongs to secure the frog without excessive damage, while lights typically output 200-500 lumens for effective illumination without blinding the user. These tools enable efficient hunts in low-light conditions, focusing on warmer months from May through August when frog activity peaks due to mating calls and migration to breeding sites.^[32]^[29]^[33] Regionally, frogging thrives in the American South, where it ties into local cuisines like Louisiana's frog legs dishes, often prepared fried or in étouffée, reflecting Cajun and Creole influences. Regulations differ by state to manage harvests; for instance, Texas imposes a daily bag limit of 25 frogs year-round, a rule established to prevent overexploitation since the mid-20th century. In Louisiana, recreational harvesting has no numerical limit from June 1 to March 31 but enforces minimum sizes—5 inches for bullfrogs and 3 inches for pig frogs—with gigs explicitly permitted alongside lights; as of August 2025, possession of firearms is now allowed during nighttime frogging, reversing a prior prohibition.^[30]^[34]^[35]^[36] Environmentally, intensive frogging can strain amphibian populations already vulnerable to habitat loss and disease, potentially disrupting local ecosystems where frogs control insects and serve as prey. Sustainable practices include adhering to bag limits, targeting only legal sizes to spare juveniles, and avoiding breeding choruses to preserve reproduction; historically, this shifted from unregulated Native American netting or spearing methods—used for sustenance by groups like the Cherokee—to regulated modern gigging that promotes conservation. Overharvesting risks amplifying declines, so hunters are encouraged to monitor local populations and release undersized or non-target species unharmed.^[31]^[37]

References

[1]
FROGGING Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of FROGGING is frog : an ornamentation with frogs.
[2]
frogging | Fashion History Timeline
Mar 15, 2019 · Frogging is an ornamental braid or cording, often used as a coat closure with a 'frog button', and is associated with military uniforms.
[3]
Kristian's Knowledge: What is frogging? - Oliver Brown
Dec 10, 2021 · Frogs and frogging have been a decorative detail since the 17th century when they were used in military uniforms - particularly within ...
[4]
Short-frogged jacket worn by Captain John Grant Malcolmson, VC, 3 Bombay Light Cavalry, 1860 (c) | Online Collection | National Army Museum, London
### Summary of Jacket Description (Focusing on Frogging or Braiding)
[5]
Second Lieutenant Winston S Churchill, 4th Queen's Own Hussars, 1895 | Online Collection | National Army Museum, London
### Summary of Uniform Description and Historical Context
[6]
https://www.gathered.how/knitting-and-crochet/knitting/knitting-for-beginners-guide
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How to knit for beginners - Gathered
Feb 22, 2024 · Knitting is different to crochet, which uses a single hook and creates knot-like stitches rather than interlocking ones. Find out more about ...
[8]
What Is Frogging in Knitting? - The Spruce Crafts
Oct 21, 2019 · To frog, you remove your knitting needles and start pulling the yarn to rip back all the stitches you made. You can frog one row or a whole lot.Frogging Vs. Tinking · Using A Lifeline · Reusing Frogged Yarn
[9]
How to Unknit - Tinking, Frogging and Safe Frogging - 10 rows a day
### Summary of Unknitting Techniques from https://www.10rowsaday.com/unknit
[10]
How to Knit: Ripping Back Stitches (Frogging) - New Stitch A Day
Take a knitting needle or a darning needle attached to some waste yarn and thread it through the front leg of each stitch in the row below your mistake.
[11]
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-history-of-hand-knitting
[12]
The history of hand-knitting · V&A
### Summary of Historical Context on Hand-Knitting in the 20th Century
[13]
What Is Frogging in Crochet? - The Spruce Crafts
Dec 1, 2019 · Simply pull your hook out of the work and tug on the end of the yarn that you were working from. This easily rips back the stitches, which you ...
[14]
Frogging In Crochet 101: Why, What & When? Easy + Detailed
Oct 27, 2025 · Frogging refers to the act of ripping out stitches by pulling on the yarn to rework mistakes in your project. It means ripping out the stitches ...2. Frogging To Reuse... · Frogging The First Part Of... · Crochet Frogging Faq<|control11|><|separator|>
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11 Reasons to Frog (or Not) | Crochet - Interweave
May 13, 2017 · If the yarn gets snagged or splits while crocheting a stitch, frog it. This may mean you need to rip out an entire row of your work (or more), but snagged yarn ...
[16]
The Wild and Wonderful World of 1970s Crochet - TL Yarn Crafts Blog
1970s crochet was edgy, creative, and linked to hippies, using varied materials, and empowering self-expression, with granny squares as iconic.
[17]
The difference between tinking and frogging - MyCentralJersey.com
Jun 20, 2014 · Frogging gets its name from "Rip it, rip it," which sounds like a frog's croak. Sometimes it's a little tricky to get all the stitches back on ...Missing: history century cable
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https://rowhouseyarn.com/blogs/news/frogging-to-frog-or-not-to-frog
[19]
A Ravel of Knitting Words - Merriam-Webster
We can find use of this particular frog back to 1996, where knitters and needleworkers talked about the frog stitch, used to undo work, on Usenet. The proposed ...Purl · Swatch · Raglan
[20]
Knitting terms explained - Shortrounds
May 15, 2025 · To frog is to rip back your knitting. Sometimes a few rows, sometimes the whole blooming thing. Usually because of a mistake you've only just ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[21]
Frogging in knitting | Knit & Note - Knitandnote
Rating 4.8 (299) · Free · iOSAug 21, 2023 · Although there is some uncertainty about who first coined the term, there is a general consensus about why we call it “frogging.” People usually ...
[22]
What is "Frogging", and How to Do It - Sarah Maker
Jan 6, 2023 · Frogging is a term used in the knitting and crochet communities to refer to the act of ripping out or undoing a project.
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Tinking - How To Unknit A Row - Simple-Knitting
Tinking knitting means to unknit or undo knitting, stitch by stitch in order to fix a mistake and this easy knitting tutorial will show you how to tink ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[24]
Playing Yarn Chicken
### Definition and Summary of Yarn Chicken
[25]
Yarn Chicken - Sky Loom Weavers
Feb 21, 2025 · Yarn Chicken - that's the game you play with yourself to see if you have enough yarn left in your every decreasing ball of yarn to finish your project.
[26]
Knitter's Knitcabulary: Slang For The Savvy Knitter - Knitfarious
Oct 28, 2025 · Want to be savvy to knitting slang? Check out our Knitter's Knitcabulary with a handy infographic. You'll be in the know before you know it!
[27]
Lifeline - What? Why? How? - 10 rows a day
### Summary: What is a Lifeline in Knitting and Its Purpose, Especially Related to Frogging
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40 Knitting and Crochet Memes That Nail Yarn Life From Frogging to ...
Aug 19, 2025 · Forty crochet memes about yarn life, counting rows, and stash chaos, perfect for crafters who pretend they will buy only one skein.Missing: 2020 | Show results with:2020
[29]
How to Gig for Frogs | MeatEater Fishing
Jul 28, 2022 · Once the bullfrog is fully in the light and you're within spearing range, strike hard and fast. Aim for the back of the frog's head with the gig ...Missing: techniques | Show results with:techniques
[30]
A Beginner's Guide to Gigging Frogs - Outdoor Life
Jun 28, 2017 · There may not be a more simple outdoor pursuit than frog gigging. All you really need is a gig, a light, a warm summer night, and a little determination.Missing: techniques nocturnal
[31]
Looking Into the World of Frog Gigging - Sapiens.org
Jun 29, 2022 · An ethnographer explores how hunting frogs for meat using gigs, or multipronged spears, is a beloved family tradition in some parts of the U.S..
[32]
Gigging for Frogs: A Comprehensive Guide - Miss Pursuit
Feb 28, 2024 · Native Americans used to hunt frogs for their meat, and the French have been known to enjoy frog legs as a delicacy for centuries. In the United ...
[33]
https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/frog/getting-started-frog-hunting
[34]
Getting Started Frog Hunting | Missouri Department of Conservation
Most frogs are caught with the use of a gig or by bare hands at night. For a little different experience, try fishing during the day. Simply use a long fishing ...Getting Started Frog Hunting · When To Hunt Frogs · About FrogsMissing: techniques nocturnal
[35]
What You Need to Know Public Hunting in Texas 2025-26
The Map Booklet specifies the rules and regulations, season dates and bag limits which govern the use of these lands. ... The bag limit for frogs OR ...
[36]
Summer frogging - Louisiana Sportsman
Jun 23, 2023 · In Louisiana, recreational sportsmen can take frogs from June 1 through March 31 without limit. Bullfrogs must measure at least five inches from ...Missing: Texas | Show results with:Texas
[37]
Frogs Legs - American Indian Health and Diet Project
Frogs are considered to be a wonderful meat by many cultures. However, among the English and those places which were culturally influenced by them (i.e. many ...Missing: gigging | Show results with:gigging