Separate by color and pattern
One effective way to organize jigsaw puzzle pieces is to separate them by color and pattern. This involves taking all the pieces with similar hues and designs and putting them into separate piles. For example, all the pieces with a blue sky background in one pile, all the pieces with green grass in another, and so on. This method helps you easily identify pieces that fit together based on color and pattern, thus speeding up the process of completing the puzzle.
Use a sorting tray
A sorting tray is a handy tool for organizing puzzle pieces. It typically consists of several small compartments that you can use to sort and store puzzle pieces. You can find sorting trays at many hobby or craft stores. Simply pour the pieces into the tray and start sorting them into different compartments. You can organize by color, shape, edge pieces and more. The tray helps keep the pieces contained and makes it easy to find a specific piece when you need it.
Create sections based on puzzle image
If your jigsaw puzzle features a specific image or scene, you can organize the pieces into sections based on that image. For example, if the puzzle depicts a cityscape, you could create sections for the buildings, sky, trees, and people. This approach helps you focus on specific areas of the puzzle, making it easier to complete each section before moving on to the next.
Sort by piece shape and size
Jigsaw puzzle pieces often come in unique shapes and sizes, so another way to organize them is by shape. This involves separating all the pieces with straight edges, corners, and unique shapes. You could then categorize these groups further by size, such as small, medium, and large. This method helps you easily identify the pieces that fit together and can also help with finding specific pieces, such as a corner or edge piece.
Label bags or boxes
If you need to put your puzzle on hold and continue at a later time, you can keep the pieces organized by labeling bags or boxes. This involves placing the sorted puzzle pieces into a clear plastic bag or storage box and then labeling it with relevant details, such as the color, pattern, or section they belong to. This method helps you quickly pick up where you left off and prevents the puzzle pieces from getting mixed up or lost.
