Starting a jigsaw puzzle for beginners might be very different than if you were experienced puzzle player. Or have assembled dozens, if not hundreds of jigsaw puzzles.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, solving puzzles can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable pastime. However, if you’re new to puzzling, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. I’ve always believed if you share the hobby of jigsaw puzzle playing with the world, you will offer a smile to someone interested enough to try.
That’s why I’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you master the art of jigsaw puzzles. I want to share this awesome hobby with as many interested people as possible.
We All Start Somewhere: Jigsaw Puzzle for Beginners
Whether you can believe it or not, I started playing jigsaw puzzles over 45 years ago. It was in the kitchen with my mother. Only a few years old, the kitchen table was full of jigsaw puzzle pieces as mom tried putting together the puzzle.
Obviously, I was too young to help place the pieces, but I do remember the final design and the awe that came with actually seeing how puzzle pieces came together. It was magic. Fast forward 10 years later and I was helping mom with the puzzles on the table. It was magic again as we brought a puzzle to life putting together the pieces.
A Jigsaw Puzzle for Beginners
As an adult, I’ve shared that beginner feeling with all the kids. And even the neighbor kids. It’s a special way to explore how to tackle a challenge and sharing what happens when you focus on a project. I see their eyes and they have the same response as I once did.
Table of Contents
The idea of starting a jigsaw puzzle for beginners is one I take seriously. It’s important to have fun and to be ready to put the pieces where they need to go.
Step One: Selecting the Perfect Jigsaw Puzzle
When starting out, it’s important to choose a jigsaw puzzle that suits your skill level. Personally, I’d suggest a beginner-friendly puzzle to build up your confidence and skills. For kids, a puzzle with fewer than 100 pieces is ideal, while adults can start with a 300-piece puzzle. Look for puzzles with standard shapes, such as a square or rectangle, as they tend to be easier to assemble.
Don’t get too ambitious and choose a 1000-piece puzzle right away. It’s all about building up your skills! Start as small as you want.
Key Tips for Choosing Your First Puzzle:
- Piece Count:
- Kids: Less than 100 pieces.
- Adults: Around 300 pieces.
- Shape: Standard shapes like squares or rectangles are easier to work with.
- Color and Pattern: Choose a puzzle with vibrant colors and distinct patterns. This makes it easier to identify where each piece belongs.
It’s important to select a puzzle with vibrant colors and distinct patterns. This makes it easier to identify where each piece belongs. As you become more experienced, you can gradually challenge yourself with puzzles featuring fewer colors and unconventional shapes. At the beginning, remember simplicity is key.
As you get more advanced, you can challenge yourself with puzzles that have fewer colors and unconventional shapes. For now, it’s best to keep things clear and straightforward while you’re learning.
Step Two: Creating the Perfect Workspace
Before you embark on your jigsaw puzzling adventure, make sure you have a suitable workspace. Take note of the dimensions of the puzzle when completed. You need to have enough room to spread out all the pieces. There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of space!
A dining room table is an excellent choice for a workspace, providing ample surface area. Alternatively, consider investing in a puzzle board, which allows you to easily transport and store your puzzle while working on it. Other places I’ve loved assembling a jigsaw puzzle is on the back patio, in the living room or even in the backyard on the picnic table
Step Three: Organizing Your Pieces
To prevent frustration and save time, it’s crucial to establish an efficient organizational system for your puzzle pieces. Start by spreading all the pieces on your workspace, turning them right side up. Then, separate the edge pieces from the rest. These edge pieces will form the border of your puzzle. A jigsaw puzzle for a beginner needs to have organization to be comfortable with the entire event.
Next, sort the remaining non-edge pieces by color. Stackable puzzle sorters can be incredibly helpful in keeping each color group organized. This initial organization may seem time-consuming. It will pay off by making the puzzling process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step Four: Building the Puzzle Edges
As your pieces are organized, it’s time to begin assembling. I tell people this is where the jigsaw puzzle comes to life. I recommend starting with the border as it provides a framework for the rest of the puzzle.
Assemble the edge pieces to form a complete border. Pay attention to the shape and pattern of each piece. This step not only sets the foundation for the puzzle, but also helps you visualize the final picture. If you need a visual reminder, take a look at the jigsaw puzzle box to see where the visual details are for your assembly.
Step Five: Tackling the Interior Sections
Rather than randomly selecting pieces to fit within the border, focus on building sections of the puzzle outside the border. Once you have sections you can connect them later (which will go much faster.)
Sorting your pieces by color becomes especially helpful at this stage. If, for example, you’re working on a puzzle depicting a bluebird, start by assembling the bird’s body using the blue pieces. Once the body is complete, move on to other sections, such as the background.
Step Six: Finalizing the Jigsaw Puzzle
Once you are on your path of assembling the jigsaw puzzle, you will notice how your puzzling will move faster. Staring at the pieces, moving around the sections and understanding where the colors go by looking at the box will have your brain clicking the pieces into place. It will be hard at first, but your mind will pick up the pace and you’re going to solve the puzzle faster.
Puzzle Tips to Stay Motivated
Puzzling, like any new endeavor, can sometimes be challenging. It’s important to stay motivated and enjoy the journey. Here are some tips to help you navigate the puzzling process:
Celebrate small wins: Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way. Completing a challenging section or finding a particularly elusive piece can be incredibly satisfying. These small successes build momentum and keep you motivated throughout the process.
Take your time: Remember, puzzling is not a race. Allow yourself the freedom to work on the puzzle at your own pace. Even if you only organize the pieces during one session, that’s progress. Dedicate as much time as you need to enjoy the experience fully. The key is to savor each moment, understanding that every small effort counts toward the bigger picture.
Set the scene: Create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for your puzzling sessions. Play soft music, sip on your favorite beverage, and declutter your workspace. By setting the scene, you’ll be able to unwind and immerse yourself in the puzzle-solving process. Think of it as a ritual to help your mind transition from the hustle and bustle of daily life to a more serene and focused state. You can even light a scented candle or dim the lights to enhance the ambiance further.
Embrace challenges: Don’t be discouraged when you encounter difficulties. If a particular section of the puzzle becomes frustrating, take a break and move on to another section. Returning to the challenging part later with a fresh perspective can make all the difference. This approach allows you to maintain momentum and keeps the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.
Take breaks: It’s crucial to give your mind and eyes a rest periodically. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk. Breaks can help prevent mental fatigue and keep your puzzling sessions productive and enjoyable. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to step away and return with renewed energy.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a step-by-step guide to mastering a jigsaw puzzle for beginners, you’re ready to embark on your puzzling adventure. Every pro puzzler has their own process, but these steps will help all beginners get started on the right foot.
Remember to stay patient and enjoy the process, and soon you’ll become a puzzle master, eager to practice every day, tackling even the most challenging puzzles with confidence. In no time, you’ll be moving on to more intricate puzzles and maybe even teaching your peers how to do a puzzle.
I hope you love playing jigsaw puzzles as much as I do!!
