How to Build a Plastic Parachute

Last Updated: April 4, 2021

Want to construct a plastic parachute? Maybe you have bored children that need something entertaining to snap them out of their grumpy mood or maybe you are just having a boring day and need something fun that will bring back memories from your childhood. If so, read on and learn how to build your own plastic parachute.

Steps

Anything from a plastic slip-cover to a garbage can bag can work well. Make sure it's loose and flexible.

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Draw a large circle on your plastic. Make it as even as possible so you don't end up with a lop-sided parachute.
- You can use a large bowl or dish to trace your circle. Or if you're really confident, you can even draw a circle freehand!
Twine or any moderately heavy string should work. Try to scale it to about the same length as the diameter of your parachute.
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Cut out the circular parachute. A sharp pair of scissors can help a lot here, otherwise you may stretch and/or tear the plastic. Tearing however is not suggested for it can be very messy.
- Try taking open scissors and dragging one blade pressing firmly along the circle. Often this leads to a perfect or near perfect cut.
A minimum of four holes should be enough. Be careful not to rip the holes—you will be using them to tie your string to the plastic.
Again, be careful not to tear the holes while knotting, if you are using soft plastic. Avoid getting the string tangled, as well.
You'll want something moderately heavy. Any object that weighs about 5–10 grams (0.2–0.4 oz) will work.
You will want to have some height to enjoy the parachute, but be reasonable. After all, you'll need to go back and get it.
Don't be alarmed if it doesn't open when you drop it at ground level. Even parachutes need time to get air beneath them.
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Question

Can I make a rectangle shaped parachute or does is it have to be square or circle shaped?

Community Answer

Yes, you can make a rectangular parachute. Circular shapes work best if your parachute is being used to drop vertically, as from a plane. Rectangular chutes work best for traveling laterally, as in paragliding.

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Question

How could I make it go slower?

Community Answer

To make it go slower, have a lower-weight object being dropped via parachute.

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Question

Can I use fabric instead of plastic, and would that effect the fall?

Elizabeth Bolster

Community Answer

Fabric won't work, as it is too heavy for a smaller parachute. Plastic is lighter and will provide better air resistance, making it descend slowly.

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Tips

Cut a rough square off from a bag of polyethylene. Fold like Origami. Cut an excess off as it'll be an isosceles triangle. The location where a good balance puts strings simultaneously with circular completion is also indicated.

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Try knotting the strings before you try the weight on. Although this will require a bit more string to accomplish, it should also help to avoid getting the strings tangled.

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To make your parachute more effective, try taking a ring of half-an-inch cloth and carefully glue it around the edges of the plastic. This will weigh the ends down and give the parachute the "dome shape" much faster. Be careful not to make it too heavy, or the parachute won't catch any air.

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Warnings

This parachute is not sufficiently large or strong for a person. Do not attempt to jump from a great height with your parachute.

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Warn children that this will not allow them to survive falls. It would be advisable to supervise children using this.

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Do not drop your parachute onto people, or into a public place without permission.

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Keep in mind that the plastic bag and the leftover pieces are a choking hazard, and also that scissors can cause injury if not handled properly; it is imperative that small children you are working with be monitored closely while making this craft project.

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Things You'll Need

Loose plastic sheets (50cm x 50cm per square)
Scissors
Twine or string
Any small "weight" (e.g. plastic action figure, a washer)
Cloth (Optional)

How to Build a Plastic Parachute

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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