How to Make a Parachute Out of a Plastic Bag: And Why It Might Not Save You from a Falling Piano

How to Make a Parachute Out of a Plastic Bag: And Why It Might Not Save You from a Falling Piano

Creating a parachute from a plastic bag might sound like a quirky survival hack or a fun science experiment, but it’s also a fascinating exercise in understanding physics, creativity, and resourcefulness. While the idea of using a plastic bag as a parachute might not guarantee a safe landing from great heights, it does open up a world of discussion about aerodynamics, material science, and even the psychology of improvisation. Let’s dive into the process, the science behind it, and why this idea might be more about the journey than the destination.


Step 1: Choosing the Right Plastic Bag

Not all plastic bags are created equal. For a parachute, you’ll want a bag that’s large, sturdy, and preferably without holes. Grocery bags are a common choice, but trash bags or even large shopping bags might work better due to their size and durability. The key is to ensure the bag can catch enough air to slow your descent.


Step 2: Cutting and Shaping the Parachute

Once you’ve selected your bag, lay it flat and cut off the bottom seam to create an open canopy. The goal is to maximize surface area, as this will determine how much air resistance the parachute can generate. A larger surface area means more drag, which slows your fall.


Step 3: Attaching the Strings

Cut four to eight equal-length strings from another plastic bag or any available material. Tie one end of each string to the corners or edges of the bag. The other ends should be gathered and tied together to form a single attachment point. This is where you’ll connect the parachute to your payload—whether it’s a small toy, a water bottle, or, hypothetically, yourself.


Step 4: Testing the Parachute

Before relying on your plastic bag parachute in a real-life scenario, test it with a lightweight object. Drop it from a moderate height and observe how it descends. Does it open fully? Does it stabilize the object’s fall? Adjust the length of the strings or the size of the canopy as needed.


The Science Behind the Parachute

A parachute works by increasing air resistance, which counteracts the force of gravity. When the canopy opens, it traps air, creating drag that slows the descent. The larger the canopy, the more air it can trap, and the slower the fall. However, plastic bags are not designed for this purpose. They lack the strength and durability of proper parachute materials, which is why this DIY version is more of a fun experiment than a reliable safety device.


Why This Might Not Save You from a Falling Piano

While making a parachute from a plastic bag is an interesting exercise, it’s important to recognize its limitations. A plastic bag parachute is unlikely to support the weight of a person or even a moderately heavy object. Additionally, the bag could tear under stress, fail to open properly, or simply not generate enough drag to make a meaningful difference. This brings us to the whimsical idea of using it to escape a falling piano—a scenario that’s more comedic than practical. The sheer weight and velocity of a falling piano would render a plastic bag parachute utterly useless, but it’s a fun thought experiment nonetheless.


The Psychology of Improvisation

Beyond the physical aspects, creating a parachute from a plastic bag taps into the human instinct to improvise and problem-solve with limited resources. It’s a reminder that creativity and ingenuity can often lead to unexpected solutions, even if they’re not always perfect. This mindset is valuable in survival situations, engineering challenges, and everyday life.


Final Thoughts

Making a parachute out of a plastic bag is a fascinating blend of science, creativity, and humor. While it’s unlikely to save you from a falling piano or a high-altitude emergency, it’s a great way to explore basic physics and the art of improvisation. So, the next time you find yourself with a plastic bag and a curious mind, give it a try—just don’t bet your life on it.


  1. What materials are best for making a DIY parachute?

    • Lightweight, durable fabrics like nylon or polyester are ideal. Plastic bags can work for small-scale experiments but lack the strength for serious use.
  2. How does air resistance affect a parachute’s performance?

    • Air resistance, or drag, is the force that opposes motion through the air. A larger canopy increases drag, slowing the descent.
  3. Can a plastic bag parachute support a person’s weight?

    • No, plastic bags are not strong enough to support a person’s weight or withstand the forces involved in a real parachute descent.
  4. What are some real-world applications of parachutes?

    • Parachutes are used in skydiving, military operations, space exploration, and even for slowing down vehicles like drag racers or spacecraft.
  5. Why is improvisation important in survival situations?

    • Improvisation allows individuals to adapt to unexpected challenges using available resources, increasing their chances of survival.