How to do a jigsaw puzzle (tips & tricks)
Starting a jigsaw puzzle can be overwhelming, especially if you're a beginner. But fear not, we've got some handy tips & tricks that you can use to make starting and completing a jigsaw puzzle a breeze.
- Choose a good location: Find a comfortable, well-lit place to work on the puzzle where you can focus and relax. Avoid working on the puzzle in a noisy or chaotic environment, as it can be distracting.
- Set aside some space: You will need a flat, stable surface to work on, such as a table or puzzle board, that can hold the size of the puzzle. It can also be helpful to have a tray or container to hold the puzzle pieces, as well as a reference image of the completed puzzle to use as a guide.
- Set aside a dedicated time for the puzzle: It can be helpful to set aside a specific time each day to work on the puzzle, rather than trying to fit it in whenever you have a few spare minutes. This can help you make steady progress and avoid getting frustrated. Read more on how long it takes to do a jigsaw puzzle.
- Sort the pieces: Many puzzle enthusiasts find it helpful to sort the pieces by colour, pattern, or shape before starting to work on the puzzle. This can give you a sense of the overall composition of the puzzle and make it easier to find the pieces you need.
- Look for the border: One common strategy is to start by finding all the pieces that make up the border of the puzzle and assembling them first. This can provide a frame of reference for the rest of the puzzle and help you orient the pieces.
- Work on the centre: Another approach is to start by assembling the pieces in the centre of the puzzle. This can be especially helpful if the centre of the puzzle has a large, distinctive feature that is easy to recognize, such as a face or a building.
- Find and assemble distinctive pieces: Look for pieces with distinctive shapes or patterns that are easy to identify, and fit them together first. These pieces can often be used as anchor points to help you build the rest of the puzzle around them. If you come across a piece that doesn't seem to fit, set it aside and come back to it later. It may fit better once you have more of the puzzle assembled. Use the reference image as a guide if necessary.
Ultimately, the best way to start and complete a jigsaw puzzle is to find a strategy that works for you and to stick with it. Some people prefer to work systematically, while others prefer to work more intuitively. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! You'll finish it in no time :)
