How to assemble a large jigsaw puzzle
Category: Hobbies
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Knowing how to assemble a large jigsaw puzzle may seem daunting; I have been doing it for years so here's my 10-steps on how to put together a jigsaw puzzle. It is so much fun!
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Before you begin: Spread out the jigsaw puzzle pieces on a surface that is large enough to accommodate the entire puzzle. Turn pieces face up.
If using a table where you normally eat, make a cover out of cardboard that you can set on top of the puzzle and tape to the edges of the table when it's time to eat. Cover with a cloth and no one will ever know they
are eating on top of your masterpiece.
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1. Divide all the pieces into color-coded piles with one pile for all pieces that have a straight edge.
You may want to place each pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces in its own container or zip-lock bag until you are ready to use them.
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2. Straight-edged pieces can now be further divided by color or pattern.
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3. Assemble entire border of jigsaw puzzle frame.
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4. Select one pile of color-coded pieces.
The color you choose is up to you. Do you like to tackle the most difficult group first or get the easier ones out of the way? It may depend on how much time you have to assemble the jigsaw puzzle on that particular day.
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5. Pieces in a regular jigsaw puzzle have 4 sides -- each with a bump or a hole. Arrange the puzzle pieces you've chosen into 6 different rows, depending on how they are shaped:
Bump on each side; Hole on each side; 3 holes and 1 bump; 2 holes and 2 bumps (on opposite sides); 2 holes and 2 bumps (around the corner from each other); or 1 hole and 3 bumps.
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6. Use a bright light and look carefully at each piece -- there is a texture (grain) running across the jigsaw puzzle piece. Re-position each piece so the grain is horizontal.
The grain of a jigsaw puzzle always flows in a horizontal direction when looking at it face-on. Knowing this mean the pieces will be placed in the puzzle one way, or 180-degrees the other way.
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7. You are ready to insert pieces along the border or within the group of selected pieces.
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8. Within each group of selected pieces, it is easier to focus on strong colors or clear patterns first.
There may be a number of groups of red in the puzzle or many shadings of blue in the sky, or other unique patterns upon which to concentrate.
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9. Use the box top or puzzle picture to help locate and identify correct placement.
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10. When you have completed most of one color selection, choose another pile and refer back to #5 again.