A puzzle mat with rolls is a foldable mat on which you can lay your puzzle and then roll up for temporary storage. This handy solution ensures that your puzzle pieces stay in place while saving space. The mat usually has straps or cords to securely fasten the rolled-up puzzle.

What is a puzzle mat with rolls and why would you use one?

A puzzle mat with rolls is a flexible surface made of felt or textile on which you can work on your puzzle and then roll it up without the pieces shifting. The mat usually has a non-slip backing and comes with straps or elastic to securely fasten the rolled-up mat.

The biggest advantage is space saving. You don’t have to keep your dining table or workspace occupied for weeks for a large puzzle. The mat protects your puzzle from pets, children, or accidents, while still giving you flexibility in where and when you puzzle.

For puzzlers who regularly work on multiple adult puzzles, a puzzle mat offers the ability to switch between projects. You can safely store a nearly completed puzzle and start a new one without losing your progress.

How do you correctly roll up a puzzle with a puzzle mat?

Start by spreading the puzzle mat on a flat surface. Carefully place your puzzle on the mat and ensure there is sufficient space on all sides. Check that the corners of the mat lie flat and the puzzle sits stable.

For rolling up, the right technique is essential. Start at one side and roll slowly and evenly, applying light pressure to keep the pieces in place. Don’t roll too tightly, as this can cause pieces to shift or get damaged.

Fasten the straps or cords firmly but not too tightly around the rolled-up mat. Store the rolled puzzle lying flat, not upright, to prevent shifting. When unrolling, work in reverse order and carefully unroll from the same side where you started.

What puzzle size works best with a rolling puzzle mat?

Most standard puzzle mats are suitable for puzzles of 500 to 1500 pieces. For children’s puzzles of 100 to 300 pieces, smaller mats are often more practical and cheaper. Puzzles of 2000 pieces require extra large mats that are not always convenient to roll up.

Pay attention to the dimensions of your completed puzzle before buying a mat. A 1000-piece puzzle usually measures about 70 x 50 cm, so you need a mat of at least 80 x 60 cm for sufficient workspace. Larger mats provide more room to work, but are harder to store.

Wooden puzzle variants often have irregular shapes and thicker pieces. For these, you need a mat with more texture that provides better grip. For very large puzzles of more than 3000 pieces, puzzle mats are often not the best solution due to weight and size.

Where can you find the best puzzle mats and what should you consider?

Quality puzzle mats can be found at specialized toy and puzzle shops that cater to serious puzzlers. Look for material types like felt or non-slip rubber, sturdy fastening straps, and the right sizing for your favorite puzzle formats.

When choosing a puzzle mat, several factors are important. The material must provide sufficient grip without damaging the puzzle pieces. The mat must be large enough for your puzzles, but not so large that rolling becomes awkward.

We offer in our range puzzles and accompanying accessories that are perfectly matched to each other. A good puzzle mat is an investment that significantly improves your puzzling experience, especially if you regularly work on complex adult puzzles or want to manage different projects simultaneously.

The price usually varies between 15 and 40 euros, depending on size and quality. Cheap mats often have less grip or wear out faster, while more expensive variants last for years and offer better protection for your puzzles.