Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Pulling from the middle of the dough outwards, gently stretch it to a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches (25 cm x 30 cm) (A–D).

Roll the front third of the dough toward the center (E). Roll the back third over the dough you have just folded (F). You will now have 3 layers of dough (G).

Repeat the process as shown, starting by folding left to right (H–I). When completed, you will now have 9 layers. This completes the process of one stretch and fold (J).

Gently shape the folded dough into a round (K–N) and return to a lightly floured bowl (O–Q). Cover and rest as called for by recipe.