How to Make a Round Parachute for Model Rockets

Cutting the Basic Shape

• 1

  Trace a hexagonal template into the paper, measuring 24 inches from one flat side across to the other. The sides will be slightly less than 14 inches long each. If needed, alter the size to suit your particular rocket.

• 2

  Measure with a ruler and draw another hexagon 1 inch outside the original.

• 3

  Cut out this larger hexagon, then cut a slit in from each corner to the corner of the inner hexagon.

• 4

  Fold in one of the sides from the end of one slit --- the corner of the inner hexagon --- to the next. Repeat for all sides and pin each in place.

Creating Shroud Loops

• 5

  From the scraps of leftover nylon, cut out 18 inches' worth of 1-inch-wide strips.

• 6

  Fold each strip in half lengthwise, then again into quarters and pin it in place. Sew stitches down the center with a sewing machine.

• 7

  Cut these strips into six lengths of 2 to 3 inches, one for each corner.

• 8

  Fold one of the pieces in half by bringing the ends together, then place the ends over one of the parachute corners with half of the length hanging off. Sew the piece down to the parachute, making sure to use several passes and to not sew this loop closed. Repeat for each corner.

Making the Shroud Lines

• 9

  Multiply the width of the parachute --- in this case, 24 inches --- by six. Cut a length of cotton-polyester string measuring that long.

• 10

  Push the string into a lump of paraffin wax with your thumb as you pull the entire length across it.

• 11

  Cut the string into three equal lengths.

• 12

  Tie one end of one of the three strings to one of the loops on the parachute's corners. Use a non-slipping knot, such as a bowline. Tug on it firmly to test the knot and make sure it does not slip or loosen.

• 13

  Tie the other end to an adjacent loop and test it as well. Repeat for the other two pairs of adjacent loops.

• 14

  With one hand, thread a finger through each of the three shroud line loops. With the other hand, pinch the center of the parachute canopy. Pull both hands apart tautly.

• 15

  Working back from the parachute, pull and gather the strings together, then tie them together in a simple overhand knot three inches away from the loops on your finger.

Install the Parachute in the Model Rocket

• 16

  Slip the ends of the shroud lines through the loop at the back of the rocket's nose cone.

• 17

  Pass the nose cone through the loops and pull it tight to secure the parachute.

• 18

  Fold the parachute and pack it into the rocket's body tube.