Knitting was a favorite pastime when I lived in the Northeast, but I never realized there were certain terms used, which I call “knitting talk”.  This is probably because I was always alone when I knit.  If I’d been part of a group I’m betting I would have heard them discuss “tinking” and “frogging”.

To “tink” is to un-knit.  The word itself is “knit” backwards, which is what you do when you tink your work.  When I first began knitting I couldn’t un-knit anything.  I would make mistakes and just keep going!  That’s why I only knit very simple scarves and hats!  Tinking a few stitches is okay, or even a row, but beyond that I think I would lose my mind.

To “frog” something is to completely rip it out.  Remove the needle and pull…. it’s so sad.  Another useful thing I’ve learned is that some people use a lifeline.  I’ve tried this a couple times and have not had success.  Perhaps I am doing it incorrectly, but I can’t pick up those stitches once I get back to the lifeline.

Also, if the lifeline itself comes part way out of the project, you are in trouble.  This just happened to me on a hat (pictured below).  I had done all the k1,p1 rows for a wide, roll up brim, but when I began the top part of the hat I didn’t like it.  NO problem, I had (smartly) added a lifeline.  But as I frogged back, I realized that the lifeline was not completely around the needle!

This hat is no more…!

It is obvious that I need more practice.

This is why so many people stick to crocheting!