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About Jigsaw Puzzles

Also known as a tiling puzzle, the jigsaw puzzle has been around for more than 300 years, used for pleasure and for education. It consists of flat interlocking pieces that form a picture when placed together properly. Common pictures include nature scenes and old buildings such as castles. The finished jigsaw puzzle can be placed on backing and framed. Jigsaw puzzles have spawned an industry of accessory items. There are also strategies for how to best solve a jigsaw puzzle.

History
- In 1760, the first jigsaw puzzle was marketed by a map maker and engraver named John Spilsbury. He made it by placing one of his maps on a piece of wood and cutting out the countries. This jigsaw puzzle was meant to teach children geography. These puzzles became popular, and were called "dissections."
  The concept of jigsaw puzzles as teaching tools began to change in the early 1800s. In 1880, the treadle saw was invented, and the term "jigsaw puzzle" began to be used. Later that century, plywood began to be used for jigsaw puzzles. Also introduced during that time frame was the cardboard jigsaw puzzle.
  In the 20th century, die cutting was invented, and thus more complex jigsaw puzzles were capable of being made. In the 1920s and 1930s, jigsaw puzzles became extremely popular. Companies including Einson-Freeman, Viking, Victory in Great Britain and Chad Valley produced a large range of puzzles.
Construction
- Jigsaw puzzles are generally die cut. This means that blades are shaped in the form of the puzzle pieces and this is used to cut the cardboard. More than 700 tons of force is used to cut a 1,000-piece puzzle.
  Historically, the image on a jigsaw puzzles was painted on it. Today, common images include printed painting reproductions and enlarged pictures. These images are glued to cardboard.
Materials
- Though at first companies didn't stock cardboard puzzles as much as wooden ones, cardboard puzzles became more accepted in the popularity surge of the 1920s and 1930s. Today, cardboard is the common material for jigsaw puzzles.
Sizes
- The piece-count for jigsaw puzzles range from 300-, 500-, 750-, 1,000- to 24,000-piece counts.
Styles/Considerations
- Flat jigsaw puzzles aren't the only type of jigsaw puzzle. Three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles are also marketed. The materials used for the 3D puzzle are Styrofoam, wood or plastic.
  Some jigsaw puzzles, especially children's puzzles, have pictures on both sides.
  Not all jigsaw puzzles have interlocking pieces. Some puzzles have curved pieces instead of or in combination with interlocking pieces.

Jigsaw Puzzles