a better way to fold a tarp

[surfer]

Published on Mar 19, 2014Chuck Miller demonstrates why folding your tarp like a flag is not the most convenient way to stow it. Learn this old trick from the theater industry and save time every time you need to protect a surface.


Fold the shorter end edges to the center
Repeat
Fold those 2 halves on top of each other
Then fold in half lengthwise till desired size.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We fold sheets and blankets that way too. Easier to make a bed, especially if you can't walk around.

 

[surfer]

Hmm, good idea, bindi&us.

 

[SternWake]

Sometimes I do the fold thing, but then finish off by rolling them up and brushing off any dust by hand as I roll.

It depends on the size of the tarp, and the amount of wind at the time I am Stowing it by myself

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We fold our awning (both shadecloth & silver tarp) differently.
It folds half and half again style so its easier for overhead. The long edge is clipped to van mounts and we begin unfolding out to where we have laid the poles, lines, anchors, an my 3# hammer. After a couple adjustments and a couple bungies, we have shade down the side of the van and a cool patio space in about 15 minutes.

After I take a breather with a cold brew, we set the awning over the back doors...also the shower space.
We have additional shadecloth for the other side that really helps in high temps.
Good shadecloth is key for cooling in the desert sun.

 

[Sabatical]

The fire service folds tarps (salvage covers) the same as in the video.

 

[B and C]

Folding this way makes it easy for two - four people to deploy it.

 

[dhawktx]

The only thing I do differently is that the first two folds are a "Z", taking the second grommet to the middle instead of the first, outside corners. This way, after opening out from the cross-wise folds, I can just grab the outer corner and open half of it up in one move.