How to Make a Blank Jigsaw Puzzle

Jigsaw puzzles are a popular pastime for people of all ages. Skill levels range from very simple four-piece puzzles for toddlers and children, to intensely challenging 5,000-piece puzzles for older fans. A new angle for the real puzzle fan is making his own jigsaw puzzle. Puzzles can be made from a favorite picture, a child's drawing or--for a super challenge--a blank sheet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/8-inch-thick baltic birch plywood the size and shape of the finished puzzle
• Blank paper
• Rubber cement
• Clear packing tape
• Scroll saw

1. 

   Draw or download and print a jigsaw puzzle pattern on a sheet of paper. Print onto multiple sheets if necessary for the size puzzle you want to make.

2. Glue the paper pattern to the sheet of baltic plywood with rubber cement.

3. Cover the entire pattern with clear packing tape. This will lubricate the blade when the puzzle is cut.

4. Carefully follow the pattern lines with a scroll saw to cut out the puzzle. If you are new to scroll sawing, you might want to use a spiral blade that makes turning tight corners easy.

5. Cut the entire puzzle out, then remove the tape and paper from the pieces. Excess rubber cement can be rubbed off.

Tips & Warnings

• A patterned puzzle can be made in the same manner, but use a permanent glue and print the puzzle pattern onto a glossy picture.
• Be certain you have adequate ventilation when using rubber cement.

Resources

• Free puzzle patterns on the web