If you need to transport a big, bulky rug, this short video will show you how to use the same method that rug importers use when they ship large rugs overseas.
This makes them a size that easily fits on the backseat of a car or in a trunk, and also makes them much easier to move around on a dolly.
It’s called a dealer fold, and here’s how to do it.
To get the best result, it’s important to first identify the top and bottom ends of the rug. Pet the pile of your rug to determine which direction is with the grain and which is against.
When going with the grain, this leads your hand to the bottom end of the rug. You’ll need to remember which end is the bottom for a later step.
Fold the rug lengthwise into thirds, overlapping the final fold over the first one.
Then, starting from the bottom end of the rug, take the folded section and fold it so that it comes to around the halfway point.
Next, starting at the bottom end, roll the rug up using loose or flat rolls so that the beginning of the roll is squared off a little instead of being perfectly round.
Don’t force the roll, and don’t try to make the rolls extremely tight.
Not all rugs should be dealer folded.
If your rug is a contemporary hand-loomed rug from India or is hand-tufted, these rugs can crease and stretch with folding.
If your rug is antique and you feel any stiffness in the fibers or feel slight cracking, then folding may cause damage.
If you’re not sure about folding or transporting your rug, please send us a photo or give us a call and we can help advise you.
The dealer fold is a great way to transport a rug, but it is meant to be a short-term solution. In other words, don’t store your rugs folded as it can cause strain to the rug’s foundation over time periods.
If you have any questions about folding or transporting your rugs, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
