The Tradewinds parasols come with instructions on opening and closing, so check these or if you don't have them, I can email them to you.

Here are the most relevant sections:

"Opening the parasol:

Once you parasol is placed in its base it is ready to open. Undo the tie that holds the canopy and carefully release the ribs of the umbrella so that each of the struts moves freely. Gently pull the ribs outwards till the hub starts to move on the pole (Step 3). DO NOT APPLY FORCE. Pull on the pulley cord to slowly raise the hub upwards (Step4). Continue this till the fabric is taught and at least one of the holes on the main pole is visible below the hub (Step 5). Insert the pin through the hole so that the sides of the hub will rest equally on either end of the pin (Step 6).

Closing the parasol:
With the pulley system, raise the hub slightly to take the pressure off the holding pin. Remove the pin from the pole and gently lower the hub, ensuring that there are no obstructions. Allow the parasol to close slowly. Do not let the cord run through your hands as this may cause friction burns. Ensure that the canopy fabric is not caught between the struts and then wrap the canvas round the parasol and secure using the tie.

If all the above have been followed and you are still have difficulty, open the parasol 2/3rds and check that all the struts are at the back of each pocket. Then wind the card around the wooden handle at the end to get more leverage. The parasol fabric is tight at the beginning and needs to be stretched a bit. This is why there are several holes on the frame. You need the fabric to be tight so that the frame and struts are kept in place and the parasol is therefore strong. As the fabric stretches you will be able to open the parasol more so you can use the higher holes on the frame.

Let me know if you still have any difiiculties.