How to Make a Toy Parachute
Toy parachutes are easy to build and provide hours of entertainment. They can be attached to light plastic figurines or toy vehicles, or simply tied to any lightweight object, like a cork or plastic bottle cap. There are many variations of this craft, so feel free to experiment with larger handkerchiefs or longer strings. Indeed, trying out different designs to see which stays afloat the longest is typically part of the fun.
Things You'll Need
- Lightweight handkerchief
- Taut string or fishing line, at least 56 inches long
- Lightweight toy, cork or plastic bottle cap
- Markers or fabric dyes
Instructions
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1
Find a durable but lightweight handkerchief. Decorate the outside of it with markers or fabric dyes. Some paints might work, too, but you don't want to add any embellishments that will weigh down the parachute.
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2
Cut four pieces of taut string or fishing line, each 14 inches long.
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3
Tie one piece of string or fishing line to each corner of the handkerchief. Tie them on tightly so that they do not come loose. If the handkerchief is a throw-away, then you can poke small holes in the corners and thread the string through the holes before tying the knots.
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4
Tie the dangling ends of the strings to a cork, a bottle cap or to a very lightweight toy. Be sure that you tie the strings securely so that the parachute will keep its form while floating.
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5
While standing on a chair or a high place like a staircase, drop the parachute by holding it in the center of the handkerchief so that the attached object dangles. It should float down to the ground, with the object landing first.
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Tips & Warnings
If your parachute drops straight to the ground, find a lighter cork or toy. You may also try a larger handkerchief.
Parents can use this homemade parachute to explain things like gravity and flying to inquisitive toddlers or kids of all ages.
Children should not climb high places by themselves, of course. Be sure that they are supervised when playing with the parachute.
References
- "American History Crafts and Games"; Rhonda Lucas Donald
