Where does the name jigsaw come from?
The name ‘jigsaw’ has nothing to do with the shape of the pieces, or how many there are. It actually comes from the name of the tool that used to be used to cut up the pictures into tiny, precise pieces.
In the late 1800s, tools like fret saws (a hand saw designed for cutting tight, precise terms), scroll saws (a powered table saw) and jigsaws (a handheld power saw) were all used for cutting puzzles. That’s where the name jigsaw puzzle comes from.
Multi-piece picture puzzles actually originated much earlier, in the 1760s.
Jigsaw puzzle vs puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle is a specific type of puzzle - as is a crossword, a sudoku, a logic puzzle… anything that tests your problem-solving skills.
There are a couple of key distinctions between jigsaws and other puzzles. Firstly, they’re physical. Most puzzles are abstract and symbolic, based around language, logic or numbers. For example, the puzzling aspect of a crossword is all about working out the clues in your head. Sudoku are the same. There’s little difference between completing a crossword in the newspaper or on your phone.
With a jigsaw puzzle, the physical element is key to the puzzling experience. Sorting the pieces, figuring out what goes where, slotting them into position.
They’re also repeatable. Once you’ve filled in a crossword or a sudoku, it’s done. When you finish a jigsaw, you can break it all up and start again, and the challenge will be almost the same.
And, that challenge is much longer. Unless you’re a world-class speed puzzler it’ll take you at least a few evenings to piece together a 1,000-piece puzzle. And if you’re really proud of it, you could frame it for display too.
What are the different types of jigsaw puzzle?
Since the early days of jigsaw puzzles, companies like Ravensburger have created all sorts of innovative new puzzles. Let’s have a look at some of the different types, and how they work.
Cardboard jigsaw puzzles
These are the modern standard. A printed image is stuck to a sturdy sheet of cardboard, then cut out using a unique pre-made die. They’re easy to produce at scale, great quality and reasonably priced.
Wooden jigsaw puzzles
Wooden puzzles are a step up in quality, but they’re also more expensive. The image is stuck to a sheet of wood, then cut with a laser or by hand. The fit is looser than a cardboard puzzle, and wooden puzzles often have special ‘whimsy’ pieces, which are unique shapes, usually specific to the puzzle. So a puzzle about cows might have a cow-shaped whimsy.
3D jigsaw puzzles
3D puzzles have the image printed onto the outside of a 3D structure. Sometimes it’s a regular shape (like 3D puzzle balls) and sometimes it’s the shape of the subject (like 3D puzzle cars or buildings). They can use different materials like cardboard or plastic.
Foil or shimmer jigsaw puzzles
Foil jigsaw puzzles are basically cardboard puzzles, but instead of having a standard colour print they have shimmery, shiny foil print.
Linen-finish jigsaw puzzles
Some premium puzzles use a linen printing surface. It reduces glare under bright lights. All Ravensburger puzzles are printed on special linen-embossed paper so they look stunning under any light.
Lenticular jigsaw puzzles
Lenticular puzzles use a special technology on the print that seems to move depending on what angle you look at it from.
Mystery jigsaw puzzles
With a mystery puzzle, you don’t get a picture on the box. So part of the challenge is working out what the final image might be, and putting it together with no reference.
Personalized jigsaw puzzles
If you can’t find a design you like, a personalized puzzle is the perfect solution. Upload one of your photos and get a unique puzzle that’s all about you.
Why do people do jigsaws?
People do jigsaws because they’re fun. There are a lot of serious benefits too, but for most people the main reason to pick up a puzzle is that it’s so much fun.
There’s a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction in seeing the image slowly come together, and finding that elusive piece you’ve been looking for for ages. Not to mention the buzz you get when the final piece slots into place and you see it in all its glory.
But as well as being fun, puzzling is really good for you too. It’s a great way for kids to learn fine motor skills and develop the logic part of their brains, and it’s a great way for adults to keep their brains working as they get older.
Puzzling is also a super way to find some mindful space in your day, away from screens and distractions. This has been proven to be good for your mental health, and help with calmness and focus.
Are all jigsaws equal?
When you’re shopping for jigsaws, you’ll notice a huge range of brands and price points to choose from. But does it really make that much difference?
We think so. When you buy a high-quality jigsaw puzzle from a brand like Ravensburger, you can be confident that it’ll be the highest quality printing, on tough material, and that the pieces will click together perfectly with a satisfying click (ours are so precise we call it ‘Softclick’). You’ll also get the best designs, from legendary puzzle artists and incredible licenses.
Ready to give puzzling a try? Why not check out our jigsaw puzzles.
