How to Use a Roll Up Puzzle Mat

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A puzzle mat is a simple tool to keep your unfinished puzzles safe, organized, and portable! You build your puzzle on the mat and when you want to take a break, or need the table space, you simply roll it up.

I would say, if you love doing larger puzzles, like 500 pieces or more, you want to use a puzzle mat. Or a dedicated puzzle table if you have the luxury of space. I unfortunately don’t so I love my puzzle mat. No more wondering what to do with that half-finished puzzle on the dining room table.

I’ll show you step-by-step how I use my puzzle mat to keep them intact while I’m not actively working on them.

Cat jigsaw puzzle in progress with the box next to it on top of a blue felt puzzle mat.

A roll up mat for puzzles is great to move your jigsaw puzzle without breaking it.

When you buy your mat, you usually get a felt mat (they come in different sizes) with a foam or inflatable tube. Often there are two elastic or velcro bands to tighten the ends of the rolled-up mat. Sometimes there is a drawstring storage bag, so if loose pieces do fall out, you can easily find them.

How to Use a Puzzle Mat

What you need:

Puzzle mat
Foam or inflatable tube (usually comes with puzzle mat purchase)
Two elastic bands or straps (also often included when you buy a mat)
Puzzle in progress
Flat surface to work on

Cat puzzle made on a blue felt roll up puzzle mat.

Step 1: Lay Out the Puzzle Mat

Unroll the puzzle mat on a flat surface, making sure it lies flat and smooth.

Step 2: Transfer Your Puzzle

I like to start my puzzle right on the mat. So there is no transferring needed. But if you already have a half-finished puzzle, carefully slide it onto the puzzle mat. Go slow. Place it in the center, away from the edges as much as possible.

Step 3: Inflatable Tube

Place the inflated tube (or foam roll) at one end of the mat.

Cat puzzle in progress on a blue felt roll up mat and white inflatable tube.

Step 4: Roll Up the Puzzle

Starting from the end of the mat with the tube, slowly roll up the mat with the puzzle on it. Stay focused so that it rolls up evenly.

Step 5: Secure with Straps or Bands

Once your puzzle is rolled up inside the mat, use the included straps or bands to secure it in place. Wrap the straps snugly around the rolled-up puzzle to prevent it from unraveling during transport or storage.

If you have a storage bag with your puzzle mat, place it inside.

Finished your puzzle? Click here to learn how to glue, save, and hang it on your wall!