How Jigsaw Puzzles Are Made

The process of making a jigsaw puzzle is actually quite easy. Anyone who has ever printed craft puzzles for their kids to color already has a good idea of how puzzles are made. Below is a straightforward breakdown of how puzzle makers create everything, from kid puzzles to more elaborate jigsaws containing hundreds of pieces.

Making the puzzle image

Because putting a puzzle back together can take hours or even days, many people assume that creating the puzzle in the first place is an equally lengthy process. The puzzle creation process is very clever, and as a result, very straightforward. The image of the puzzle is created first. Mass-produced puzzles have their image electronically painted or printed onto the chosen backing material, while handmade puzzles usually have a hand-painted image.

Making the puzzle pieces

Once the puzzle image is created, it is then broken down into the puzzle itself. In mass-produced puzzles, this step is accomplished through the use of a laser or cutting press which cuts the image into the desired number of interlocking pieces. In a handmade puzzle, the process of breaking the image down into a puzzle is more complex and is usually accomplished through the use of a circular saw or Dremel tool which is run over and through pre-painted piece outlines applied over the image.

Not only do puzzles require thought on the part of the puzzler, but also on the part of the puzzle creator. Understanding how puzzles are made is sure to give any jigsaw puzzle fan a greater appreciation for this timeless form of entertainment.