How to Assemble a Puzzle

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Assembling a puzzle can be easy and successful if you follow a few easy steps. Depending on your experience in the field, you can follow the ones that are right for you. Alternatively, choose the sections that fill in your gaps and use them in your personal routine. Start with small puzzles with simple scenes, large pieces and a minimum number, say for example 50 to 300 pieces. Find a method that suits you and you can move on to more complex puzzles (from 300 to 1000 pieces).

Steps

Step 1. Choose where you will work:

a table, a top or a special area that comes to your waist. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate the total number of pieces you will be placing face up.

Step 2. Empty the contents of the box

1. Turn all the pieces face up and at the same time.

2. Select those of the edge and put them aside. This way you will have a very important starting point. Note: For three-dimensional puzzles it can be difficult (determining the edges).

   

   Step 3. Arrange the pieces into color groups

   This step is determined by the design and the complexity of the image. As you turn the pieces, group them according to the colors. For example: blue / teal, grass green, blue / sky gray, reds and yellows, etc. (and so for parts of buildings, statues, gates, etc.)

   You can also try to sort them into "full" and "empty" pieces. The former are those that have a protrusion that fits, the latter have a recess

   

   Step 4. Try to complete the sections in color groups

   At this point, keep looking at the design (usually on the box), e.g. gates, houses, etc.

   

   Step 5. Assemble the edges on the table

   

   Step 6. Arrange the color sections in the puzzle area that feels right to you, based on the reproduced image

   

   Step 7. Start by arranging the pieces inside

   You will be able to do this by expanding the colored parts already tied together or the border sections.

   

   Step 8. As you progress, you will come to understand where you are in the project

   

   Step 9. Continue until you complete the puzzle

   

   Step 10. Determine the purpose of your puzzle

   1. Keep it for someone else.

      Carefully peel off all the pieces and put them back into the bag and into the box

   2. Put it away or show it.

      Pass a preservative on the surface. That way it won't come off over time. Think about where you can place it temporarily and make sure it's a safe place. If you do everything right, you will be able to move your puzzle across the work surface in one piece. Alternatively, you can place it in a puzzle holder

   3. Finish it off by framing and hanging it.

      Choose the back panel (refer to the measurements below). Determine the background color for the finished product (2 or 3mm panels are perfect). The lighter it is, the easier it will be to carry it, especially if the puzzle is a bit massive

   4. Determine the background color of your puzzle.

      

      Step 11. Make sure the spine is wide enough for the finished product

      1. Place the puzzle on the panel and frame it with the profiles, to determine the exact area of the frame. Then remove the profiles.
      2. Define the perimeter of the puzzle on the panel with a marker. Slide it to another board and restore the profiles.
      3. Slide the puzzle into the final position.
      4. Place the top by covering the puzzle, closing it with the hooks and thus creating a sort of sandwich.
      5. Turn the picture over and temporarily move it elsewhere.
      6. Unfold the sandwich and return the original back panel to your work surface. Now you can paint the outer perimeter of the board (around the puzzle area). Note: at this point it is better to go over the outline as done in step 5 once the color is dry.
      7. Re-install the profiles on the original board.
      8. Brush the surface with hobby glue.
      9. Carefully place the puzzle on the glued area by sliding it off the serving board. You can also place a weight on the puzzle area to make sure it fits snugly.
      10. Cut out the excess table so that the bare minimum remains.

      11. Frame the puzzle with the profiles. The inside area is for the puzzle. It must be marked with a marker. This example shows a vertical puzzle.

          Advice

          • If you give the puzzle to someone or give it to charity, please stick a note on the box stating that all the pieces are present or if any are missing. It can be frustrating to get a second-hand puzzle only to find that pieces are missing.
          • When trying to do a puzzle, don't get disappointed, your patience will be rewarded in the end.
          • Do not try to make the pieces fit together, if one does not enter it is because he does not go there.
          • As you complete your puzzle, be careful not to scatter any loose pieces. You may lose them without even realizing it.

          Warnings

          • Keep the puzzle away from small children. They could swallow a piece and it would be fatal. And of course you would miss that.
          • Do not spill food and drinks on the work area to avoid damaging the pieces of your puzzle.