Putting a jigsaw puzzle together may be achieved simply and efficiently in easy to follow steps. Depending on your expertise on this subject, pick up the steps where it best suits your needs. Alternatively, pick out the sections your experience is lacking in and use it in your own personal routine. Start on a small scale with simple scenes, large pieces, and minimal number of pieces. Say 50 – 300 pieces. Satisfy yourself with your method of approach and graduate to a larger number of pieces (medium range 300 – 1000 pieces) with your next puzzles.
Compiling jigsaws can be fun and interesting, giving you self satisfaction when completed. Some take days some take weeks, and some take months to complete from start to finish. Jigsaw puzzles come in varying sizes of pieces and varying styles of shapes. You can get square, rectangular and shaped jigsaws.
When complete and you have decided what to do with the jigsaw, look at the result and say “I did that” and get started on your next puzzle.
Step 1
Select your work area: - Table, Flat Desk or Secluded Flat area waist high. Ensure your area is large enough to facilitate the total number of pieces laid out individually face up.
Step 2
Empty Box Contents onto Work Area.
- Turn all pieces face up and at the same time,
Select Edge Pieces and put them to one side. This gives you an invaluable starting point for your progress. Note: - For Shaped jigsaws this may be a difficult task (i.e. determining edge pieces).
Step 3
Arrange pieces into color groups. This step is determined by the design and complexity of the puzzle. As you progress through the arranging of the pieces face up and edge, arrange all pieces into colour groups. Eg. Blue/green water, green grass, blue/grey sky, reds and yellows, etc. (Also parts of buildings, statues, fences, etc.)
Step 4
Try to complete colour group sections of the puzzle. At this point continue to refer to the finished picture (usually on the front of the box). Eg. Houses, fences, etc.
Step 5
Assemble the Edge pieces on your workbench.
Step 6
Place any grouped colour sections into the inner area of the puzzle where it seems obvious to be placed guided by the finished picture.
Step 7
Commence placing the balance of the pieces into your puzzle. This is best achieved by expanding the already compiled colour or edge sections.
Step 8
As you progress with the compilation of the puzzle you will get to the stage whereby you can see the end of the project.
Step 9
Continue on until you complete the puzzle.
Step 10
Determine your aim for the jigsaw.
- Save for another person.
- Carefully breakdown the puzzle and return pieces into plastic bag then back into box.
- Keep and Store/Display.
- Paint the Surface of the Puzzle with Puzzle Conserver. This stops the Jigsaw from fading over time. Determine the storage space for your puzzle and ensure it is safe from pending damage. Done carefully this also allows you to slide the puzzle around your work area in 1 piece. Alternatively you can store it in a Jigsaw Holder.
- Finish with Framing and Display arrangement.
- Select your ‘backing board’ (Refer to Sizes below). Determine the background colour for your finished article. (2 or 3mm STD MDF Panel Board is perfect). The lighter the board, the easier it is ti carry when finished, especially if the jigsaw is large.
- Determine the background colour for your puzzle. (Sample shown)
Step 11
Ensure the backing board is large enough for your finished puzzle. (Refer example shown).
- Place the jigsaw onto the board and frame with board cuttings positioned so as to allow for framing area. (Refer sample shown). Remove the Board cuttings.
- Mark the perimeter of the jigsaw on the board with a pencil. Slide the Jigsaw onto a spare board and re-install the board cuttings.
- Slide the Jigsaw into its designated final position.
- Place side 2 of your sandwich board into place and clamp together.
- Carefully turn the sandwich over and move to a temporary storage area.
- Break open the sandwich and return the original backing board to your work area. You can now paint the outer perimeter of the board (Around the jigsaw area). Note: - At this point it is best you remark jigsaw area as per point (5) above after the paint is dry.
- Re-install the board cuttings on the original board exposing jigsaw area.
- Paint the jigsaw area with the PVA Craft Glue.
- Carefully position the jigsaw into place over the glued area by sliding it into place from the spare board. You may carefully place something flat over the jigsaw with weights so as to ensure positive adhering.
Cut off any excess board so you are left with the minimum allowable for your current puzzle. 
Frame Jigsaw Area with Board Cuttings. Inner area is for jigsaw. It is to be outlined with pencil. This example shows a vertical puzzle.
Tips
- When constructing a puzzle don’t get frustrated, because patience will be rewarded at the end of the project.
- Don’t try to make the pieces fit; if they don’t get there easily, it’s because they do not belong in that position.
- While completing your puzzle, take care not to accidentally brush pieces off your working area with loose clothing. You may not realise what you did and they could be lost.
- If you donate your jigsaw puzzles to other persons or to charities, it is courteous to tape a note to the front of the box letting the recipient know that all the pieces are there, or if any are missing. It can be really frustrating to get a second-hand puzzle and do a lot of it, only to discover that some pieces are missing.
Warnings
- Keep the puzzle away from small children. They could swallow a piece, and that can be fatal. Plus, you’ll be missing a piece.
- Do not spill food or drink on to your work area as this may cause serious damage to some of your pieces.
Things You'll Need
- Jigsaw Puzzle
- Table/Bench (Work Area)
- Panel Board (or equivalent).
- Puzzle Conserver
- PVA Craft Glue
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- 25mm Fold Back Clips. (To Clamp your Sandwich)
- Glue Spreader (Light Sponge)
- Patience
