Need a jigsaw puzzle piece replacement?
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as completing a beloved jigsaw puzzle, only to discover that a single piece is missing. This “devastating roadblock” can happen for many reasons, whether the piece was lost under the couch, accidentally discarded, or never included in the box to begin with.
The good news is that you have clear options to resolve this common puzzler’s dilemma. This comprehensive guide will walk you through viable solutions, from crafting your own replacement at home with our detailed steps to finding professional services that can meticulously recreate the missing piece for a perfect match. Our aim is to leave you feeling satisfied and well-informed, ready to restore your favorite puzzles
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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 commit to making or ordering a replacement, it is crucial to conduct a thorough search for the elusive missing piece. Jigsaw puzzle pieces are notoriously good at hiding in unexpected places.
Here’s a detailed checklist of places to meticulously search:
- Check under furniture and rugs: Puzzle pieces frequently fall and slide out of sight.
- Look inside the puzzle box flaps: Sometimes, pieces get stuck in the corners or seams of the box.
- Scan clothing and blankets: Pieces can cling to fabric or accidentally end up in pockets.
- Search other puzzle boxes: If you often work on multiple puzzles simultaneously, a stray piece might have migrated to the wrong box.
Here’s a detailed checklist of places to meticulously search:
How to Make a Replacement Puzzle Piece Yourself
For the Do-it-Yourself enthusiasts, crafting a new puzzle piece at home is a rewarding and practical option. While a handmade piece may not achieve the exact precision of a factory-cut original, careful execution can result in a replacement that blends well enough to complete your puzzle. Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in “fixing” your puzzle, much like a skilled doctor! This DIY approach also allows us to share our first-hand experience and expertise in solving puzzle challenges.
This method is specifically designed for replacing standard cardboard or hard paper puzzle pieces.
Follow these detailed steps to create your own replacement jigsaw puzzle piece:
1. Trace the Missing Piece’s Shape
With your puzzle mostly completed, you’ll clearly see the hole left by the missing piece. Carefully position a thin piece of cardboard directly under the puzzle from behind and lightly trace the precise outline of the empty spot using your pen or fine-tip marker.
Expert Tip: If another puzzle piece from the same puzzle has a similar shape (e.g., similar tabs and blanks), use it as a guide to help you recreate the intricate interlocking parts of the missing piece. This will significantly improve the fit.
2. Cut the Replacement Piece
Use a sharp craft knife or small scissors to meticulously cut out the shape you just traced. Precision is paramount here, as an accurate cut is key to a seamless fit.
Expert Tip: If the cardboard you’re using isn’t thick enough to match your puzzle’s original pieces, cut and glue multiple layers together until the new piece achieves the same thickness. Allow these layers to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Match the Image
If you still have the original puzzle box image, carefully cut out the exact section that corresponds to your missing piece’s spot and glue it neatly onto your newly crafted replacement piece. If an exact match from the box isn’t possible, use colored pencils or paint to skillfully mimic the missing section’s colors and patterns. Focus on blending the colors seamlessly.
Expert Tip: Even a simple blend of colors that closely approximates the surrounding puzzle art can make the replacement piece look significantly less noticeable.
4. Fine-Tune the Fit
Once your piece has its image, you need to ensure it fits tightly into the puzzle. If the piece feels too snug, lightly sand its edges to reduce friction. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, continue to trim very slightly around the edges until it slides smoothly into place. A tiny bit of glue can be applied if needed to secure it, but make sure it’s dry before placing the puzzle back together.
Expert Tip: If you plan to permanently glue and frame your puzzle, sealing it with puzzle glue can help the DIY piece blend even better and reinforce its structure!
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.
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 Throw Away the Jigsaw Puzzle?
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!
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This guide was created by the team at Speed Puzzling Tips, born from a deep passion for jigsaw puzzles and the thrill of speed puzzling. We understand the joys and occasional frustrations of this hobby, including the dilemma of a missing piece. Our content aims to provide helpful, reliable, and unique value, leveraging our first-hand experience and depth of knowledge in the puzzling world