Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Creating a workplace
• Part 2 of 4: Sorting the puzzle pieces
• Part 3 of 4: Assembling the border
• Part 4 of 4: Assembling the center pieces
• Tips
• Warnings

Puzzles today have thousands of pieces. The trickier puzzles can seem overwhelming, but just like easier puzzles, you can just complete them. Assembling more difficult puzzles can even be good for your brain. Research shows that putting together jigsaw puzzles can help improve your memory. With a little patience and careful planning, you too can put together a tricky jigsaw puzzle in no time.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Creating a workplace

1. Assemble your puzzle in a place where it cannot be disturbed by other activities. For example, if you have roommates who eat at different times, it may not be a good idea to use the dining table to assemble your puzzle. Instead, set up a portable card table for work or put a blanket in a low-traffic area. You can also use a puzzle mat so you can put your puzzle away and work on it again at a later time.
2. Check the size of the puzzle. Usually this is on the side of the box. You need a place big enough for the final puzzle. Some people use a table as a special puzzle table and do not use that table for other things during the puzzle. Others make the puzzle on a piece of cardboard, a puzzle mat, or some other flat surface that can be moved so that the table can be used for other purposes between puzzle sessions.

Part 2 of 4: Sorting the puzzle pieces

1. Remove the puzzle pieces from the box by hand, so that the dust from the cutting of the puzzle remains in the box. If you turn the box over to take out the puzzle pieces, you'll also throw the dust out and your workplace will get dirty. Dispose of the dust from the box in the trash can.
2. Look at the picture on the puzzle box and note large areas of color and areas with the same texture. Sort the puzzle pieces by color or texture.
3. Separate the edge pieces from the other puzzle pieces and place them on your workplace. The edge pieces have at least one straight side while the middle pieces do not have that at all. Corner pieces, or pieces with two straight sides, are seen as edge pieces.
   • If you have enough space, you can choose to put all the pieces on the table at the same time. However, if you're short on space, you can place the puzzle on a movable surface and sort the pieces into bins or bowls to keep pieces of certain colors and shapes together.

Part 3 of 4: Assembling the border

1. Lay out all the edge pieces so you can see them. If you make piles of the edge pieces, you may miss important parts of the puzzle.
2. Sort the edge pieces by color and shape.
3. Use the picture on the front of the box as a guide to make the edge pieces into a large square or rectangle. These pieces form the basis of the puzzle that you put together.
4. Start assembling the puzzle by connecting all the edge pieces in the form of lines. Use the picture on the front of the box as a guide and make lines of edge pieces next to the corresponding corners.
   • When you have used all the edge pieces, your puzzle will look like a photo frame. Do not put pieces in the middle of the frame and only put parts with multiple pieces that you have already put together. Otherwise, you will always have to remove unsorted puzzle pieces from the places you want to work on or place rounded parts.

Part 4 of 4: Assembling the center pieces

1. Sort the puzzle pieces by color, if you haven't already done so. Use the picture on the box to help you make groups of puzzle pieces of the same color and shape. It is important to divide all the puzzle pieces into smaller groups so that the project is easier to carry out. Most puzzles have large areas of similar colors, such as a large water surface or mountains. Sorting the puzzle pieces therefore gives you an advantage.
   • An alternative to sorting is to place the puzzle pieces in the shape of a large horseshoe. This way you can see all the puzzle pieces at once by looking from left to right.
   • Place all puzzle pieces flat on the table with the right side up. If you make stacks of the puzzle pieces, it will be more difficult to find the pieces you need.
2. Choose a simple section to start with. Use the box as an aid. Look for long lines, large shapes and patterns that are common. These features help you to quickly find the right pieces between the large number of puzzle pieces. Save tricky things like faces and details for last. Fewer puzzle pieces are used for this, which is therefore more difficult to find.
   • If you get stuck, start another section. The purpose of this step is to create a lot of small groups that you can assemble later.
3. Take a break. This is what many people find so frustrating about putting together a jigsaw puzzle. If you find yourself getting mad at the puzzle, take a quick break to clear your mind. Take a walk, drink a glass of water, or read a book. Don't think about the puzzle for a moment. When you start again you will feel fresh again and feel like looking for puzzle pieces again.
   • If you really can't go any further, turn the puzzle over to work on it upside down or start on a different side of the puzzle. You are thus forced to look for similarities in color and shape between the puzzle pieces that you would otherwise never have noticed.
4. Give yourself enough time to complete the puzzle. It always takes longer than you expect to complete a puzzle. If you are in a hurry, consider putting together an easier puzzle. If you can only work on your puzzle for a few hours at a time, assemble it where it can lie undisturbed for a few days. If you have to move the puzzle often, consider buying a puzzle mat so you can put it elsewhere.
5. Complete the puzzle. When you have put together small groups, carefully place them in the "frame" you made with the edge pieces. Use the picture on the box as a guide and move the different groups until they are in the right place. Join the groups together and fill the gaps with the last pieces. Now you are done!

Tips

• Check out the picture on the box if you are confused.
• If possible, walk around the table to view the puzzle from a different angle.
• If you like a challenge, don't look at the picture on the box at all.
• With a jigsaw the final image is on the front of the box. If you lost the lid of the box, you may need to get a new puzzle. It is almost impossible to assemble a puzzle without the final image as an aid.
• If you have to move your puzzle often, consider buying a felt puzzle mat. With such a puzzle mat, the puzzle pieces remain safely in place. The mat can be rolled up and stored.
• Think about gluing the puzzle down. Many crafters glue their completed puzzles and hang them on the wall like art. It's an excellent way to show off all your hard work.

Warnings

• Have patience and don't get frustrated if it's too difficult. If you get frustrated, you can risk ruining all of your hard work.