Tips for Solving Jigsaw Puzzles
Tips for Solving Jigsaw Puzzles
Here are some practical tips to make solving jigsaw puzzles easier and more enjoyable. By following these steps, you can improve your puzzle-solving efficiency and have more fun in the process.
Sorting and Organizing Pieces
The first step to making your jigsaw puzzle experience easier is sorting and organizing your pieces. While this might seem tedious, it sets a strong foundation for the rest of the puzzle and makes the process much smoother.
- Sort by Color and Pattern: Begin by sorting your pieces into groups based on color and pattern. For example, if you're working on a puzzle with three main colors like sky (blue, purple, white, a bit of pink), grass (light green, dark green, a bit of yellow), and mountains (brown), separate the pieces accordingly. This helps you quickly find pieces that belong together.
- Separate Edge Pieces: Set aside all the edge pieces. These pieces will form the border of the puzzle and provide a framework to build upon.
- Use Trays for Organization: Use trays or shallow boxes to keep your sorted pieces organized. For instance, you can use small trays for edge pieces and larger trays for the rest. This keeps everything neat and easy to access. I use old puzzle boxes for this purpose, which are very useful.
Starting with the Edges
Building the edge of the puzzle first is a common and effective strategy. It gives you a defined space to work within and makes it easier to visualize the final picture.
- Assemble the Border: Once you've sorted out the edge pieces, start connecting them to form the puzzle's border. This step gives you a clear boundary and helps you gauge the puzzle's size. Laying out the edge pieces on the table and fitting them together is often the easiest part and provides a solid starting point for the rest of the puzzle.
Working on Small Sections
Focusing on small sections at a time can make the puzzle-solving process more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Identify Distinct Areas: Look for areas with unique colors or patterns that stand out. For example, you might start with characters in the puzzle or a distinct section like a building or tree.
- Build Small Sections Separately: Instead of trying to complete the entire puzzle at once, work on small, manageable sections. Once you complete a section, you can connect it to the larger puzzle.
- Use the Box Image: Keep the puzzle box image nearby to help guide you. It can provide clues about where certain pieces belong, especially in more complex areas.
Staying Patient and Persistent
Solving a jigsaw puzzle requires patience and persistence. It can be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment when you complete it is well worth the effort.
- Take Breaks: If you find yourself getting frustrated or stuck, take a break. Stepping away for a while can help you return with a fresh perspective.
- Use a puzzle mat: If you need to take a break and need the tabletop space, try using a puzzle mat to roll up your working puzzle for storage. And then you can roll it back out when you're ready to resume puzzling!
