A puzzle mat is one of the most useful accessories any puzzler can own. It gives you a dedicated soft surface to work on, and — most importantly — it lets you roll up your in-progress puzzle and store it safely. No more abandoning puzzles because you need the table back.
Here's a complete guide to using a puzzle mat, including tips to get the most out of it.
What is a Puzzle Mat?
A puzzle mat is a large, felt-covered mat designed for assembling jigsaw puzzles. The felt surface grips pieces gently so they don't slide around while you work. When you need to stop, you can roll the mat up — with the puzzle still on it — and secure it with the included straps.
The Puzzle Ready Puzzle Mat fits puzzles up to 1500 pieces and rolls up into a compact cylinder for easy storage.
How to Use a Puzzle Mat — Step by Step
Step 1: Lay the mat flat
Unroll the mat on a flat, stable surface like a table or floor. Smooth out any creases. The felt side faces up.
Step 2: Build your puzzle on the mat
Sort and assemble your puzzle directly on the felt surface. The gentle grip keeps pieces exactly where you place them — far more stable than a bare table.
Step 3: Roll up the puzzle when you're done
When you need to stop, start rolling the mat from one end. Roll slowly and evenly, keeping tension consistent so pieces don't shift. The tighter you roll, the more securely pieces stay in place.
Step 4: Secure with the roll-up straps
Once rolled, secure the mat with the included elastic straps or velcro ties. Store it horizontally — never stand it upright, as gravity can shift the pieces over time.
Step 5: Unroll and continue puzzling
When you're ready to continue, slowly unroll the mat on a flat surface. Most pieces will remain exactly where you left them.
Tips for Best Results
- Always roll from the same end — if you always start from the left, the pieces learn to sit in that position
- For larger puzzles (1500+ pieces), roll slowly to avoid edge pieces separating
- Store the rolled mat on a shelf or in a cupboard rather than standing it up
- If pieces keep falling off, try a slightly firmer rolling technique
Puzzle Mat vs Puzzle Board: Do You Need Both?
A puzzle mat and a puzzle board serve slightly different purposes. The mat is ideal if you need to store your in-progress puzzle flat. The board is better if you want built-in drawers and a protective cover that doesn't require rolling. Many puzzlers use a mat for their main working puzzle and a puzzle caddy for transport.
Ready to upgrade your puzzle setup? Shop the full Puzzle Ready range and find the accessories that fit your style.
