They call it "frogging" or "tinking," and sometimes "ripping out." I guess it really depends on what you're doing. If you've just found an error and have to go back a row or two, it's called "tinking," or "tinking back." If you're taking the plunge and taking out lots of stitches or going back to square one, I call it "ripping out."
When you take online courses or local knitting courses, many times teachers will try to smooth over any potential angst or make it easier on the knitters by using nicer terms like "un-knitting," probably to spare any feelings of despair--if you're that kind of knitter. (I remember my daughter's sewing teacher told me she told the girls that when they had to use a seam ripper, she preferred to tell them that they were "un-sewing" in order to assuage any feelings of failure. In all honesty, I was taken aback because, well, anyway--the girls aren't that fragile.)
But for me, if I make the decision to go back to square one with a project, I like to pull off the bandage and just go for it. I mean, why would you spend so much time knitting something that will ultimately not please you or spark joy as a certain someone would say?
A few weeks after my carpal tunnel surgery when I was finally able to move my hands well enough to knit a bit, I cast on for what I thought would be a sideways, open knit, pullover--something suited for a beach coverup or something to throw on over a tank top. I dutifully drew a sketch, made a couple gauge swatches in potential stitch patterns and chose one. I did some calculations and cast on. Over the next several days I knit part of the top, probably a rectangle that measured 24" by about 6" and then I took a long, hard look at it.
It looked like crap.
And then I knit another inch.
It still looked awful.
And then I sort of thought about it and thought about it and thought about it.
I decided that if I had to think about it that much, that it was going to be a loser and there was only one thing to do: Rip. It. Out.
I've come across lots and lots of knitters and I can tell you that my guess is that probably more people cringe at the thought than people who don't (or who cringe a tiny bit and then let her rip without thinking too much).
I fall into that group: I cringe a tiny bit and then I let her rip.
The pic up top? That represents about six full hours of knitting.
This one to the right? Oh, four minutes of delightful ripping.
It's a relief, really. Kind of like burping after feeling queasy for forever. Now I can say that I didn't spend a week knitting something that didn't give me tingles. At this stage in the game, I need tingles.
BTW: This yarn is still destined to be something that I really like. I can do no wrong (well, except for this most recent disappointment) with Louet Euroflax Wet Spun Linen (sport weight). I keep thinking of doing a re-vamp of Jordan, a really popular warm-weather pattern of mine, but with longer sleeves, so we shall see.
BTW#2: Regarding the carpal tunnel surgery. It's now about 8 weeks post op. Everyday I notice that I can do more with my right hand that I couldn't do as well before. I have more strength and can pick up relatively heavy objects without dropping them or feeling pain in my wrist. Knitting is easier and faster although I haven't really done too much, mostly because book knitting has come to an end for now. So, I'm pretty happy I did it. Left hand is next!
years ago there was a lovely sweater that I knit with the exact yarn, and I tried it on and realized a couple of mistakes. I looked in the mirror and gasped! I looked like the Michelin man, you know the one that is a cartoon for car wheels. I then asked my husband how I looked--he said I looked wonderful. I did not believe him. I took it to my knitting group and asked for an honest opinion. wrong design for my body type, gauge should have been a lot smaller, no ease, and yes I DID look like the Michelin man. I took off the sweater and someone asked what was I going to do, I replied I guess rip it out and do something else with the yarn. I went into the shop part to just look around and when I came back my sweater was in round balls. One of the ladies ripped out the entire sweater. I laughed, everyone else was kind of in shock.
Posted by: patty | June 20, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Oh my, Patty! I bet the knitter who ripped it out for you must have known you well enough to know how you'd react. Imagine if you were not so easy going!
Posted by: Wendy | June 20, 2017 at 10:52 AM
I'm quite happy to rip things out if they're not working. It's not really worth spending all those hours knitting if you're unhappy with the finished product. Sometimes I knit a hat over and over again till I get it right, or get the fit I want - it's all knitting time so it's still enjoyable.
I've heard it as: tinking = knitting backwards, when you undo a stitch manually, one by one.
Frogging = ripping = taking the work off those needles and pulling the yarn out.
Posted by: Siobhan | June 20, 2017 at 03:49 PM
Taking knitting apart or frogging knitting we have worked so long and hard on is not fun. I just went through the same thing.. it's not right.. I think it won't bug me... no it will and I won't wear it, I better frog it. Then of course it is easier once finally frogging the rows and starting to knit again. I usually don't even care if I have to knit it over again, it is the taking it apart that is hardest. Glad your hands are feeling better after the surgery!
Posted by: Lisa | June 20, 2017 at 04:06 PM
You ticked off a lot of boxes for me Wendy with this post. Love your statement that young girls are not that fragile. As a preteen I had a battle axe for a sewing teacher and was especially sensitive at that age -- but I survived. And took up sewing later in life with enthusiasm. Your carpal tunnel story gives hope to many people I am sure. So glad that you are sharing it. And would love that you might re-boot your Jordan pattern. I lost my copy from years ago and this way I can purchase two for the price of one, in a way. I'm a big Euroflax fan (although I've only made one simple project so far )and don't understand the hurts-my-hand issue. We are all different, of course, but I think it's worth it to at least give it a try. The end product is so worth it. So glad to check your blog from time to time and see a new post.
Posted by: Chloe | June 23, 2017 at 05:23 AM
Just saw that I am repeating myself from a previous comment. Gettin' old, what can I say. Just delete, delete. Thanks.
Posted by: Chloe | June 23, 2017 at 05:44 AM
Aha! I wondered why your blog was sort of quiet last time I checked (I admit it's been a while). I'm sorry to hear about your carpal tunnel and other busy-hands-health-woes, but mostly sad to hear that you had lost your love for knitting! That is heartbreaking to hear for another knitter. But I hear you on how much the pain Very, very glad you have good healthcare there, are getting better, and have regained the love. You are so talented and so funny, I just wanted to let you know that someone out there is happy to see you "back."
--lkmemphis
Posted by: Loel Kim | June 24, 2017 at 06:21 PM
I am also happy to see you blogging again. So many times that I have had a problem with my knitting and you have written about that exact problem giving me guidance. I love it!
happynurse
Posted by: Mary Dyke | June 25, 2017 at 03:04 PM
oh my my, thats a story of all the knitters like me..What matters for me is my satisfaction, when i am not satisfied, i will rip my item no matter if my partner likes the pattern. Thanks of sharing this blog post. I will be subscribing your blog for more posts like this
Posted by: Hannah | June 27, 2017 at 09:52 AM
I love the process of knitting, so not too much bother for me to rip out and start. Except lace--I'd rather not do too much of that so I put in the regular life-lines. I think it's because lace requires so much attention that it just isn't fun to have to redo.
I did have the experience of not liking something halfway through, but because it was a test knit I forged ahead and figured I'd rip when done. Turned out I *loved* it when finished! Sometimes it isn't clear until done. :)
Posted by: Angela Muonio | July 01, 2017 at 10:30 PM