Piecework Perfection? A Review of Piecework Puzzles
This boutique brand is known for its modern, aesthetically driven photography, offering a complete puzzling experience enhanced by a luxurious Matte Velvet finish.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com —February 22, 2024*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Piecework Puzzles is a boutique brand known for its modern twist on the classic jigsaw puzzle. They offer a variety of puzzles featuring eclectic photography, from eye-catching food spreads and whimsical animals to iconic cityscapes and abstract art. Piecework Puzzles are designed to be more of an “experience,” pairing their puzzles with curated extras, such as a dedicated playlist, to round out your puzzling session.
Just The Deets!
• Piece Cut: Grid
• Piece Fit: Snug-ish
• False Fits: No
• Piece Gauge: 1.7 mm
• Puzzle Finish: Matte Velvet (Low reflection, soft finish)
• Reference Poster: Yes
• Dust Level: Medium
• Extras: Velvet-finished box lid holder, artist bio, donation information
• Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 26.6″ x 19.25”
• Made in USA and China
Image Quality & Themes
Piecework prioritizes unique and modern designs over hyper-realistic imagery, focusing heavily on the overall aesthetic and composition of the artwork. The pieces are made with a 100% recycled board and feature a velvety finished art paper, which gives them a soft, low-reflection Matte Velvet surface.
Piecework Puzzles offers a unique selection of themes that cater to those who enjoy modern aesthetics and artistic interpretations, including:
Eclectic Photography (Food Spreads, Cityscapes, Still Life)
Abstract Designs and Geometric Patterns
Modern Art and Artistic Interpretations
Limited Pop Culture References
✋ Hands On Experience
My Piecework puzzle has fantastic texture. The pieces have a matte velvet-y finish with no reflection.
If you’re looking for something different and visually engaging, Piecework is a great fit. The matte velvet-y finish on the pieces is fantastic, with no reflection. The feel is similar to Art & Fable, but not quite as heavily velveted.
The biggest drawback is the interlock. The fit is only “snug-ish,” and the pieces do not hold well when being moved; I was not able to pick up assembled sections at all. If you like doing puzzles in sections, I recommend having some flat trays or a spatula handy.
Piecework puzzles are slightly more expensive than some mainstream brands, but they offer an elevated experience. Each puzzle comes with a playlist on Spotify to listen to while you work. I loved working on my I Love California puzzle—I tackled the words first, then the textures like the straw hat and towel, and longed for In N’ Out the entire time I was working on those burgers!
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Boutique Aesthetic: Modern, unique, and visually engaging imagery.
Premium Finish: The Matte Velvet finish is soft and non-reflective.
Elevated Experience: Comes with a curated Spotify playlist.
Good Thickness: Pieces are 1.7 mm thick.
Manufacturing Choice: Piecework manufactures a selection of puzzles in the United States.
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
Loose Interlock: Pieces do not hold together well when lifted or moved (no “pick-up”).
Premium Price Point (Though often justified by the experience).
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
I recommend Piecework Puzzles, especially if you prioritize aesthetics and a unique experience.
If you are looking for modern, visually engaging imagery and enjoy a high-quality, velvet-touch feel, this is a great brand. The overall experience—from the box design to the included playlist—feels like a luxurious treat. Just be prepared to assemble it on a dedicated surface, as the pieces won’t hold together for movement!
🧩 Ready for an aesthetically modern puzzle experience?
Shop Piecework Puzzles on Amazon by clicking below.