Quick Answer

Use a puzzle roll away mat to safely store your work in progress: roll the mat around the sturdy rolling pin, secure the straps, and unroll when ready to continue.

Why a Roll Away Mat is a Smart Storage Choice

A roll away mat keeps your unfinished puzzle intact without taking up permanent table space. It’s a simple, affordable way to pause a project and return to it later.

Unlike gluing a puzzle, a roll away mat is reusable and doesn’t alter the puzzle. You can store it flat or upright, and it protects pieces from dust and accidental spills.

Step-by-Step Storage Process

  1. Prepare the mat: Lay the felt mat on a flat surface and place your completed puzzle section on top, ensuring pieces are within the mat edges. Check that no pieces hang over the edge before rolling.
  2. Roll the mat: Starting from one end, gently roll the mat around the sturdy rolling pin, keeping the puzzle face up and the roll tight but not too tight. Avoid rolling too tightly, which can bend or displace pieces.
  3. Secure the straps: Wrap the hook and loop straps around the rolled mat to hold it closed. Make sure they are snug but not overly tight. Double-check that the straps are secure so the mat doesn't unroll during storage.
  4. Store the rolled mat: Place the rolled mat in a dry, flat location, such as under a bed or in a closet. Avoid leaning it against walls where it might bend. Store it flat to preserve the shape of the mat and puzzle pieces.
  5. Unroll to resume: When ready to continue, undo the straps and unroll the mat on a flat surface. Gently press any pieces that may have shifted. Work slowly to avoid pieces sliding off the mat as it unrolls.

Product Spotlight

  • Puzzle Roll Away Mat: Cobble Hill Puzzle Roll Away Mat features a sturdy rolling pin and hook and loop straps to keep pieces in place. The rolling pin and straps ensure your puzzle stays rolled securely, so you can store it without worrying about pieces shifting.

    Puzzle Roll Away Mat

    Puzzle Roll Away Mat