How to Make Crosswords

If you love to do crossword puzzles, the possibility of making one of your own has probably crossed your mind. Learning to make crosswords may be easier than actually completing them, because you don't have to guess the answers to someone else's clues. Making your own puzzle may help you get into a mindset that will help you solve them, and you can also create custom crosswords as party games or for other specialized applications.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil with eraser
• Pen
• Plain or tracing paper
• Photocopier (optional)

Instructions

1. Make a list of key words you would like to use, particularly if your crossword project has a specific theme.

2. Write interesting words on your graph paper, horizontally and vertically, intersecting in as many places as possible. Start with your key words, then, once your crossword starts to get somewhat dense, fill in more short words wherever you can. It's find to repeat the same word, as long as you can think of enough different clues.

3. Go through your crossword in order, numbering each horizontal word consecutively. Make a note of each case in which the beginning letter starts both a horizontal and a vertical word, because you can't reuse these numbers. Repeat the process, consecutively numbering any unmarked vertical words, but skipping the numbers on your list.

4. Trace your grid onto plain or tracing paper. Trace the boxes and numbers, but not the words. If your paper is bigger than your crossword, trace it near the upper left of the paper.

5. Write a clue for each vertical and horizontal word. If there is room, write it on the same paper that your just traced your grid onto.

6. Photocopy your crossword if you like, especially if it's on tracing paper.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble coming up with clues, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.