A method and apparatus for folding and collapsing an object incorporating a flexible loop which defines the particular configuration for the object in its expanded configuration. A cable having a central portion defining a handle has two ends passed through an opening at or adjacent a first point of the loop and tied to second and third points of the loop, with the first, second and third points spaced-apart along the loop. The loop may be folded and collapsed by holding the loop at the first point and pulling the handle to urge the second and third points towards the first point such that three concentric loops are formed from the expanded loop about the first point, each having a size smaller than that of the expanded loop, the three concentric loops twisting and folding about the first point to cause the three concentric loops to overlie each other in a collapsed state in which the size of the expanded loop has been substantially reduced.