Normally a parachute is a circle of fabric at the top of the balloon that is formed by sewing together wedges of fabric comprised of small panels, similar to the panels in the main envelope. However I decided not to go with this option.
I sewed a number of rectangular panels together to get a large rectangle that exceeds the parachute size I require and then cut a circle form the fabric, effectively giving me the exact size I need without having to sew all the panels together. It also gives the opportunity for an unusual looking vent design in the top of the balloon.
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Hand drawn vent design
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Finished Square
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marking the curve
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Result 1
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Result 2
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Re-think
This didn't work as I'd hoped and the vent was not entirely circular. The
vent is also way too big in total area and required some work to adjust. See
more detail on the Inflation page.
