Hello, and welcome to the 2020 VVCAL Tips and Tricks – FAQ – post. Along the way, I have already had a few common questions. I plan to address those here for everyone to see. Thank you for stopping in!

Here’s a quick link back to the Main 2020 VVCAL Page!

2020 VVCAL Tips, Tricks, and FAQ

Can I join my “Multicolor” squares with a different color from the Catona 10g Colour Pack?

Yes! Here’s how: When your preferred joining color comes up in the CAL, you need to sub in Color No. 105 instead. Then you will simply use up your chosen color ball when you start joining.

Can I swap a square for one from the 2016 or 2018 VVCAL?

Of course! Just try to choose a square that does not have a lot of petals, or lots of popcorns, etc. Those type of squares may cause your 10g ball to run out before the motif is finished.

All of the squares below are good examples of squares you could substitute in. 2016 VVCAL // 2018 VVCAL

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Is the 2020 VVCAL Granny Square the same one as the 2018 VVCAL Granny Square?

Yes! It is, so if you’ve done the 2018 VVCAL, the granny should be a breeze.

My Granny Square center is puffing out. What should I do?

You have 2 options for starting your Plain Granny Square, as you can see below. You can make 3-dc groups on Round 1, or you can make 2-dc groups on Round 1. If your square is puffing out in the center, switch to the 2-dc groups like you see on the right hand side granny square below. This is given in the pattern as an alternate way to work Round 1.

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What if my Granny Square is larger than 4.25in with a 3mm hook?

You will need to swap out for a smaller hook until you make that 4.25in gauge.

My design squares are coming out smaller than my granny squares. Why? What should I do?

First, make the granny square. Then compare all of the other squares to the granny square. If the squares are within half an inch, you will be fine when you join them all together.

There could be many reasons for the gauge of your granny square to differ from your design squares.

• If your dc (UK tr) sts are generally very tall, then your granny will be larger than your design squares. Learn more about the Golden Loop.
• Since the pattern for the granny square is likely a familiar one, this square is often worked more loosely than the design squares. Folks tend to tighten up when they work a new and unfamiliar pattern. (Ever notice sometimes your gauge loosens up as a project goes on?)
• Those are the common reasons for gauge discrepancy, but there are many more – even time of day, whether you are relaxed or tense, distracted or focused, etc.

What to do? If your squares are less than a half an inch variance in size, it will fix itself in the join. If it’s a large difference, consider working the larger motif in a smaller size hook to close the gap. Make sure your gauge is correct as well.

I’m using a 10g skein color pack. Can I go up a hook size for larger squares?

Yes! But beware some squares (especially the ones with lots of petals or popcorns) which use more yarn will make you run out if you use a larger hook. You can substitute in one of the other squares or even one from the 2016 or 2018 VVCAL.

How can I keep all of these squares organized for the color layout?

Here are some ideas that your fellow makers are suggesting:

• Take a photo of the square and edit in text over it with the color number.
• Roll up the square and put it into the yarn ball band. (Love this one.)
• Wrap your excess yarn around the ball band so you can compare it later.