Do You Really Need a Bamboo Mat to Make Sushi?

Aug, 24 , 25 Oishii Kit Admin

Do You Really Need a Bamboo Mat to Make Sushi?

If you’ve ever looked at a sushi recipe and thought, “Do I really need that little bamboo mat thing?” — the answer is: not necessarily.

While a makisu (that’s the proper name) makes things easier, especially for beginners, it’s not the only way to roll.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

What a bamboo mat actually does
Whether you can make sushi without one
Alternative tools and DIY hacks
When it’s worth investing in a proper mat

What does a bamboo mat actually do?

A bamboo mat helps you:

Roll evenly with gentle pressure
Shape the sushi into a neat cylinder
Seal the roll tightly so it holds when sliced

It also makes it easier to roll consistently sized pieces, which is handy when you want to impress someone (or just make sure each bite isn’t a different size).

Can you make sushi without one?

Yes! You don’t need a bamboo mat to enjoy sushi at home.

Here are a few ways to get around it:

🫳 By hand (freeform rolls)

Use your fingers to roll the nori and fillings, then gently press into shape. This works well for temaki (hand rolls) or even rustic-style maki.

Just don’t expect restaurant-perfect results — this is more “home cooking” than “fine dining.”

🧻 With a tea towel

Place a clean tea towel on a flat surface, then layer a sheet of cling film on top. Lay your nori and fillings over that and roll using the towel as support.

Top tip: the cling film prevents sticking, and the towel gives you something flexible to shape with.

📦 Using a silicone mat or sushi mould

Some people use silicone baking mats as a replacement (easy to clean, reusable). You can also find sushi rolling moulds online — they’re less traditional but work well in a pinch.

Why we recommend using one (eventually)

A bamboo mat is:

Inexpensive (usually under £5)
Reusable and eco-friendly
Compact — takes up no space
Easier for beginners to get neat results

It’s one of those tools that pays for itself after just a few uses. That’s why we include one in our Oishii Kits Starter Sushi Kit — because the first time you get a tight, tidy roll, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled without it.

Final thoughts

You can absolutely make sushi without a mat — but once you try one, you'll realise how much smoother it makes the whole process.

So if you're just starting out and not sure if you'll be making sushi often, try the tea towel method or roll by hand.

But if you're planning on making sushi regularly, investing in a simple bamboo mat is 100% worth it.

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