Need a jigsaw puzzle piece replacement?
There’s nothing more frustrating than finishing a jigsaw puzzle only to realize a piece is missing. Whether it got lost under the couch, accidentally tossed in the trash, or was never in the box to begin with, a missing piece can feel like a devastating roadblock – especially if you were planning to glue and frame the puzzle.
The good news? You have options! You can make your own puzzle piece replacement at home or, if you’re willing to invest, order a professionally crafted replacement.
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If you are like me, you probably have never even considered a puzzle piece replacement because you were busy putting together the pieces. I love solving jigsaw puzzles and I am focused on practicing my techniques for jigsaw puzzle solving every day. If you need a replacement jigsaw puzzle piece, you immediately need to explore DIY solutions and know how to contact puzzle replacement companies that specialize in recreating missing pieces.
Where to Start: Search for the Missing Piece
Before you start making or ordering a replacement, take a moment to search thoroughly for the missing piece. Jigsaw pieces have a sneaky way of hiding in the most unexpected places!
- Check under furniture and rugs – pieces often fall and slide out of sight.
- Look inside the puzzle box flap – sometimes they get stuck in the corners.
- Search clothing and blankets – pieces can cling to fabric or end up in pockets.
- Scan other puzzle boxes – if you work on multiple puzzles at once, a stray piece might have landed in the wrong box.
If your piece is truly gone forever, it’s time to look at your jigsaw puzzle piece replacement options. And yes, I completely understand if you are sad about this action.
How to Make a Replacement Puzzle Piece Yourself
This idea is for the Do-it-Yourself people! If you’re up for a craft project, you can make a new piece at home! It won’t be perfect, but if you’re careful, it can blend well enough to complete your puzzle. And it might be fun fixing your puzzle…. like a doctor! Here’s how if you are replacing a cardboard or hard paper piece:
Materials Needed:
- A piece of thin cardboard (like a cereal box or another puzzle box)
- A sharp craft knife or scissors
- A pen or fine-tip marker
- Glue (for layering if needed)
- A colored pencil or paint (to match the image)
Steps to Create a Replacement Puzzle Piece
Trace the Missing Piece’s Shape
If you have the puzzle mostly completed, you’ll notice the hole left by the missing piece. Place a thin piece of cardboard under the puzzle and lightly trace the shape of the missing piece from the empty spot.
Tip: If another puzzle piece has a similar shape, use it as a guide to recreate the missing piece’s tabs and blanks (interlocking parts).
Cut the Replacement Piece
Use a craft knife or small scissors to carefully cut out the shape you traced.
Tip: If the cardboard isn’t thick enough, cut and glue multiple layers together until the piece is the same thickness as your puzzle. Let it dry completely before continuing.
Match the Image
If you still have the puzzle box image, cut out a section that matches the missing piece’s spot and glue it to your replacement piece. If you don’t have an exact match, use colored pencils or paint to mimic the missing section.
Tip: Even a simple blend of colors can make the piece look less noticeable.
Fine-Tune the Fit
Once you have the piece, you need to make it fit tight. Lightly sand the edges if the piece is too snug. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, trim slightly until it slides into place smoothly. Use a tiny bit of glue if needed, but make sure it’s dry before putting the puzzle back together.
Tip: If you plan to frame the puzzle, sealing it with puzzle glue can help the DIY piece blend better!
Ordering a Professionally Made Puzzle Piece Replacement
If you want a more precise replacement, and do-it-yourself is not an option, then you should seek out the professional. There are companies that specialize in making custom puzzle pieces. It’s definitely an easier process, but it does cost money. However, if this jigsaw puzzle piece replacement is important to you so you can save the jigsaw puzzle, then this might be the better choice.
How Do Puzzle Piece Replacement Companies Work?
- You send them a photo of your completed puzzle (minus the missing piece).
- You send them the pieces around the missing piece (on all sides)
- They match the piece shape, color, and texture.
- They cut and ship your new piece.
- Sometimes they need the whole puzzle to properly match the colors too.
While professional replacements can be expensive, they’re worth it if the puzzle has sentimental value or if you’re determined to complete and frame it.
When to Let the Jigsaw Puzzle Go
Sometimes, replacing a piece just isn’t worth the effort. If your puzzle has multiple missing pieces or significant damage, it may be time to let it go.
Consider repurposing the remaining pieces for craft projects, coasters, or wall art.
If the puzzle has many missing pieces, it’s best not to donate it – incomplete puzzles can be frustrating for the next person.
If you’re part of a puzzle trading group, let others know the puzzle is missing a piece. Some puzzlers don’t mind filling in gaps with DIY solutions!
Finding the Perfect Fit is Creative
Losing a puzzle piece is frustrating, but with a little creativity (or professional help), you don’t have to give up on your puzzle. A jigsaw puzzle piece replacement is a fun choice to fix you favorite puzzles.
Whatever you decide on the puzzle piece replacement, I hope you keep in mind how wonderful jigsaw puzzles are to us all! Happy puzzling!
