Jigsaw Puzzle Tips to Finish Faster

Set up before you build

Start by turning every piece face up and giving yourself room. A good light and a large flat surface do more for your speed than any clever trick. Take a long look at the box picture so you know what you are building toward.

Edges and sorting first

Find all the flat-edged pieces and build the border. It frames the puzzle and gives everything else a home. While you hunt for edges, sort the rest into rough piles by color or by obvious features, like a patch of sky or a face.

Work in small regions

• Build distinct areas first, a bright object or a line of text, since those pieces are easiest to place.
• Match by shape as well as color, especially in large plain areas.
• Keep sorted piles nearby so your hand knows where to reach.

Enjoy the slow part

Big single-color regions, like sky or grass, are the hardest and the most meditative. Slow down, sort by subtle shade and shape, and let it be a quiet task rather than a race. That final stretch is where jigsaws are most relaxing.