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How to Make Your Own Mylar Rocket Parachute Pattern

Model rockets often employ simple parachutes as a recovery system to safeguard the craft's return to Earth. These chutes, however, are often made from a fragile, low-grade plastic that can easily tear or melt. For this reason, many hobbyists elect to use parachutes constructed from much more durable Mylar fabric. Using simple household craft supplies, you can create a simple pattern that will allow you to make multiple parachutes easily.

Things You'll Need

Matboard
Compass with golf pencil
Ruler
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the matboard on a flat surface.
- 2
  Clip a golf pencil into the compass, then use it to draw a large circle equal to the maximum diameter of your intended parachute.
- 3
  Lift the compass and place it at any point on the circle without changing the radius from before.
- 4
  Draw a short arc, using the original radius of the circle, across the outside of the circle.
- 5
  Lift the compass and place it where your arc intersects the circle.
- 6
  Repeat steps 4 and 5, drawing a new arc where the previous one intersected the circle, until you arrive back at the point where you centered the first of the six arcs.
- 7
  Connect each of these intersection points with their neighbors using a ruler or straight edge to create a hexagon.
- 8
  Cut out the template with a pair of scissors or a hobby knife.

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