Last updated 10/24/2023   16:06:20

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How to build:
A Hot Air Balloon Envelope

© 2007-2021 Keith Sproul


Web Pages worth looking at

Website Author Description
http://www.skychariot.com/   Skychariot Home / Keith's Balloons
http://www.skychariot.com/Homebuilt.html Keith Sproul How to make a Hot Air Balloon
http://www.skychariot.com/tetconst.html Keith Sproul How to make a Tetrahedron Hot Air Balloon
http://www.skychariot.com/vent.html Keith Sproul How to make Turning Vents
http://www.xlta.org/plans/index.html Dan Nachbar & Paul Stumpf  XLTA Open Plans
http://www.apexballoons.com/balloons/ Jon Radowski Discussion on Balloon Design
http://www.apexballoons.com/tips/ Jon Radowski Tips on making a balloon
Balloon Design Spreadsheet Steve Griffin History of Smalley Spreadsheet

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!!!! DISCLAIMER !!!!

Materials and ideas listed here are in part unproven and may be hazardous to use in the construction and operation of experimental hot air balloons. Building and flying experimental aircraft involves significant risk and may lead to serious injury or death. Always obtain professional advice when building or flying human-carrying aircraft!


This web site will explain how to build a modern hot air balloon. It will show a few different ways on how to do things, but it will not show all options. The intent of this is website to help somebody just starting by putting everything you need to know in one place. The information needed to make a balloon has been out there on the Internet, but the problem has been that it hasn't been easy to find. When you did find it, you couldn't find everything in one place, and you had to guess at some pieces of information. This website will have all the information needed to make a modern hot air balloon envelope. This is an ongoing project, and I welcome input, comments, and additions. The website is copyright by Keith Sproul. The information is public and may be distributed as anyone sees fit. If you redistribute this information, please provide links back to this website.
I -HIGHLY- recommend reading the balloon design directions at http://www.xlta.org/plans/index.html
There is lots of useful information there. The main difference between that website and this on is that the XLTA website has the design for a 54k / 16 gore envelope only. This site uses the Smalley Spread sheet and has the calculations so you can create any size envelope with any number of gores. You can use this to make a radio controlled balloon with a volume of less than 3,000 cu ft up to any size you want.
If you have comments, additions or corrections, please send them to me at ksproul@skychariot.com


Making a balloon is not as difficult as it sounds. Making a home-built airplane, even from a kit can take 3,000 hours. With the modern quick-build kits, that can drop down to 1,000 to 1,500 hours or so, but you pay extra for the quick-build kit. Making an airplane from plans can take 5,000 hours.
Making a balloon can take anywhere from 150 to 300 hours. This is approximately 1/10 the amount of time it takes to make an airplane.

Sproul Construction Times

Picture Registration Year Made Size Gores Time Comments
N-48KX 2003 48,000 cu ft 16 7 Weeks
175 hours
First Balloon
Turning Vents
N-73KX 2004 73,000 cu ft 24 5 months
250 hours
Pattern took more time
Turning Vents
N-72KX 2004 ~90,000 cu ft 3 sides
48 panels
5 Months
150 hours
Tetrahedron
N-9713T 2006 ~60,000 cu ft 3 sides
42 panels
4 months
130 hours
Tetrahedron
N-72KX 2010 ~90,000 cu ft 3 sides
48 panels
16 months
210 hours
Tetrahedron
Inlaid Stars were troublesome
N-48KX 2018 48,000 cu ft 16 4 years
165 hours
Rebuild of original LimeLight
Turning Vents
N-83KX 2019 83,000 cu ft 16 4 months +
213 hours
Larger version of Indecision
Turning Vents
N-83KX 2024 83,000 cu ft 16 Rebuild of Undecided Turning Vents
N-105KX 2024 105,000+ cu ft 24 -- Red/Blue Arror Balloon
Turning Vents
N-49KX Future 48,000 cu ft 16 -- To fly with second T&C SkyChariot
Turning Vents


Before you start, answer the following questions:
  • Why do you want to make a balloon?
  • What do you want to do with the balloon once it is done?
  • How many people do you want to carry?
  • What size of balloon do you want to make?
  • How much time can you put into the project each week / month?
  • Do you have space to dedicate to this project?
    Or do you have to get it out and put it away each time you want to work on it?



Design Discussion

The information presented here will primarily discuss how to make horizontal-cut hot air balloon. This design we will use is what is known as the SMALLEY SPREAD SHEET. This is a spread sheet that will give you the dimensions you need to make a balloon. The Smalley spread sheet can be used for both vertical cut gores and horizontal cut gores. (You can also use the gore dimensions from the Areostar manual for the S49A, S50A, S51A, S52A, S53A, S55A, S57A, S60A, S71A, S77A and S81A envelope patterns.)  Making a horizontal cut gore balloon requires more cutting and more sewing. But, the cutting is MUCH easier, takes less space, and produces a stronger balloon. If you make a balloon with vertical cut gores, you need a hallway 10 feet wide and as long as your gores (80 - 100 feet). Since must of us don't have access to that, it is impractical to make balloons that way. In addition, by making a horizontal cut balloon, you get seams every five feet. These seams act as rip stops, and also as horizontal load tapes. With a vertical cut balloon, you have to add horizontal load tapes. With a horizontal cut balloon, you either don't need any horizontal load tapes at all, or maybe only one or two. In a horizontal cut balloon, All panels will be cut with straight edges, simplifying cutting and sewing.
# of PeopleSize Cu FtDiameter FtHeight FtAprox Weight
1 31,000 40 40 < 100 lbs
1-2 50,000 50 50  
2-3 77,000 55    
3-4 90,000 57    
4-5 105,00060   200 lbs

Pros & Cons of Experimental vs Commercial
Pros Cons
Less Expensive than buying new Can't fly Commercial
You can do your own inspections and repairs  
  

Sewing Machine Discussion

Having a good sewing machine can make all the difference in making a balloon. There are several good choices which can often be found on Ebay. My favorite is a sewing machine with a Puller. The Singer 112W116 has a puller, but this is an older machine. Even though it is an older model, it it is still a great choice. 212W120's can be found with pullers, but there isn't a specific model number for them that I have found. My favorite machines are the 212W120 with puller and a Consew 333RB with puller. The Consew 333RB has the advantage that has a much bigger bobbin, so you don't have to change bobbins as often.
You should be able to find a sewing machine between $300 and $900, maybe a little more with puller.

There are some options that you can do with the sewing machine after you get it.

  • First Get a Servo Motor. This is a direct replacement for the clutch motor that has been standard for years. You can get a simple Servo Motor for about $100, or better yet, get one with needle position sensing for about $140. You can replace it your self in less than 1/2 hour. The advantages of a servo motor are:
    • They don't run all the time, so they save on electricity
    • They are very quiet compared to the standard clutch motor
    • They have adjustable speed, VERY USEFUL
    • Available with needle position sensor Also VERY USEFUL
    The needle position sensor model allows you to have it always stop with the needle down, or always stop with the needle up. I prefer always stoping with the needle down. That makes it so the material doesn't move on you when you stop to reposition your hands.
  • Second You can install a light in front of the sewing foot. You do this by drilling a 2 inch recessed hole in the wood in front of the sewing foot. Install an LED light in the recessed hole and put clear packing tape over it. This light shows thru the fabric so that you can see if it is folded correctly.
See pictures of my Sewing Machines


Tools that you need

Cutting Table 6' x 10' or longer ideal Pool table or Ping-Pong table will do
Put MDF (Medium Density Fiber board) on top for cutting surface. Also nice to have rotary cutting mats, but they are expensive
Rotory Cutter
or good scissors
  Available at your local sewing store.
Double Needle Sewing Machine Consew 333RB
Singer 212w140
Singer 112w116
Singer 112w140
Brother
Juki
Pfaff
3/8" needle spacing is preferred. You can change the spacing of a machine for less than $100
EBay is a good place to look
A puller is very nice, but not required. Pullers are also hard to find
Do NOT get a walking foot sewing machine
Seam Folder   Tennessee Attachments
I highly recommend a seam folder. You need to get one designed specifically for your fabric and seam size.
Metal Rulers 4 ft
6 ft
12 ft (or length of table)

Ace Hardware,  Home Depot,  Lowe's

12 ft is just a straight edge, and does not need to be a ruler
A pieces of 2" aluminum angle works well

Spring Clamps  Ace Hardware,  Home Depot,  Lowe's
Marking Pencils Sharpies
White Fabric Pencils
Various colors of Sharpe's Especially Silver for dark fabrics
Masking Tape2" wide Normal Masking TapeAce Hardware,  Home Depot,  Lowe's
Buy the Contractors pack (10 rolls in a package). Don't get the Blue stuff, also don't get the tape marked as "LOW TACK".

Materials that you need

MaterialQuantitySource / Comments
Nylon500 - 1000 yards MagnaFabrics.com
www.westmarkcorp.com
Load Tape500 - 1000 yards www.ballyribbon.com
kwwebbing.com
www.pamnarrowfabrics.com
tnwebbing.com
Nomex 20 - 40 yards Tex Sales, Montreal, Canada (Was Difco Performance Products)
www.davisinteriors.com
Crown Ring 1 (4" - 11" Metal Ring) From an old balloon
V-Rings 1 per gore From an old balloon or
Forgecraft (Part # 54A90B2)
www.dj-associates.com
Quick-Links /
Rapide Links
1 per gore www.dj-associates.com
Hook & Loop Fastners
(Velcro)
2" wide for Parachute
6" - 8" per gore
Get the sew-on kind, NOT the stick-on kind
Pulley(s) 1 or 2 for Parachute
1 for each turning vent
From an old balloon
Caribiners
or A-Blocks
4 From an old Balloon
http://www.stumpfballoons.com/carabine.htm
Many other sources
1/8" or 3/32" Aircraft Cable
7/19 Galvanized
10-15' per gore Aircraft Spruce and many other sources
Cable Thimbles 1 per gore Aircraft Spruce and many other sources
Nicopress Fittings 1 1/2 per gore Aircraft Spruce and many other sources
Red Line
Vent Lines
  From an old balloon or
-GOOD- polyester braided rope NON-stretchy
ThreadPolyester Bonded
Size 69 or Size 92
Left Twist
3 1 lb cones/spools
Do not use Nylon. Polyester is much better. Make sure it is bonded. You will need three cones of thread, one for each needle and one for the bobbins.
I prefer getting the pre-wound bobbins, but that costs a little more
www.thethreadexchange.com



Steps to make a Horizontal Cut Smalley Design Hot Air Balloon Envelope

  1. Start a Construction Log Book
    I use a FileMaker database. You can use a paper bound note book, Excel, Microsoft Access, or what ever you are comfortable with. The FAA requires the 51% rule for Amateur Built aircraft. Having a log book to show everything you have done is excellent proof that you did indeed do the construction yourself. It is a good idea to take pictures as you go too. Keeping a log book makes it easy to keep track of how much money and time you spend on the project. An electronic log book makes this even easier.
  2. Practice
    If you are new to sewing, practice sewing the French Felled Seam or Folded Fell Seam. Practice a LOT. Make sure that your sewing machine is adjusted to your fabric and thread. See http://www.apexballoons.com/tips/ for tips and instructions on how to do a proper seam.
  3. Determine Size of Balloon
    Decide what size balloon you want to make. Also decide on number of gores. See Discussion on Balloon Size.
  4. Make the design, colors, etc
    Do not get too complex (At least not on your first one) Use a paint program and play with colors. Inlaid designs are very difficult for the beginner. See discussion on Balloon Color.
  5. Calculate Panel Dimensions
    See Discussion on Calculating Panel Dimensions. Figure out how many panels of each color you need. Order at least 15% more than you need, and if are buying seconds, buy 25% more.
  6. Buy Materials
    Most places only sell by the roll. They often have different size rolls in stock. Ask what they have in stock and buy what fits your needs.
  7. Apply for N-Number
    http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/aircraft_inquiry.aspx
    http://aircraft.faa.gov/e.gov/NN/reserve.aspx
    It is easier to apply for a special N-number than it is to get one 'assigned'
  8. Registration
    Send in Registration Application and Amateur Built Affidavit. Yes, do this early.
    Registration ApplicationAC8050-1.pdf
    Amateur Built Ownership Affidvait

  9. Cut Panels
    Advisable to cut all panels before starting to sew. See discussion on Cutting Fabric.
    Consider cutting one or two extra panels for later repairs. This is more practical for balloons with only one or two colors. If you do decide to do this, make sure you order a little extra fabric.
  10. Sew Panels into Vertical Half Gores
    Easy sewing, LOTS of short seams.
    Make the seam so that it sheds water. This is so that when the balloon is upright, the lip faces down. Think of it this way, you don't want a ridge that collects dust. With the way most people sew the folded-feld seam, this means start at the bottom of the gore and work your way up.
  11. Sew Vertical Half Gores into Full Gores
    Lots of LONG seams. This is the CURVED seam.
    Make sure you start with FRESH FULL Bobbins each time. Unless you are making a really big balloon, a full bobbin should be enough to finish the entire seam. Changing bobbins mid-seam is a pain. It is doable, but avoid it if you can.
  12. Install Turning Vents
    If you are going to make turning vents, do it here. Take 3 full vertical gores and sew them together. Then make the turning vents in this set of 3 gores. Then use this set of 3 gores as the beginning of the next step. See http://www.skychariot.com/vent.html for more detailed directions on how to make turning vents.
  13. Sew Full Gores together
    Start at one side. Sew each gore onto the previous gore. If you have a pattern, make sure you get the gores in the correct order. The vertical load tape gets attached here. Using a Tape Foot is highly recommended but not required. Some people prefer to not use a tape foot. See picture of a tape foot below.
    You need to put two layers of load tape for the bottom 18" to 24". You also need to have the same amount extra to sew back on the inside. This gives you two layers of load tape going thru the V-Ring, with 18" to 24" going back up inside.
  14. Sew in Temperature Wire Sleeve
    Determine which gore you want the sleeve for the temperature wire. It is usually on one of the bottom-left gores, as you are looking up into the balloon when it is being cold inflated. When you get that seam finished, turn the balloon over and sew the sleeve onto the inside of the load tape. Don't forget this. Adding it later is VERY difficult. Instead of a sleeve, you can sew in tie straps. At every other horizontal seam, sew in a 12" piece of 3/4" or 1" piece of load tape. If you are going to use a wireless temperature sensor, you do not need to do this. But I recommend putting in the tie straps at minimum incase you ever change your mind.
    To make the sleeve, take scraps (the longer the better) cut it 8" - 10" wide and sew them into a tube. You want to end up with a tube 4-6" wide. You want to have breaks in the sleeve at every 20" or less to make it easier to feed the wire.
  15. Sew Horizontal Load Tapes
    If you are going to have any horizontal load tapes, attach them now, before the last seam is sewn. Horizontal load tapes are best sewn on top of a seam. Leave 18" overlap so that when the last seam is sewn you can come back and overlap the load tape on top of itself.
  16. Sew in Parachute Centering Line Attachments
    With the envelope still open, go in and sew in attachment points at the second or third seam down from the parachute opening. These are best attached to the load tape at a seam intersection. This can be done after the envelope is closed up, but it is a little easier to do it before.
  17. Sew the Last Seam
    This is actually a little easier than it sounds. Double check EVERYTHING before you start this step. There are many things that need to be done before you close up the envelope, many of them are MUCH MUCH easier with the balloon still able to be laid out flat.
    Lay the balloon around the sewing machine, with the left edge to the left of the machine and the right edge of the balloon behind the machine.
  18. Finish any Horizontal Load Tapes
    If you have any Horizontal load tapes, go back up the last seam and overlap them so they are continuous around the balloon.
  19. Attach V-Rings
    Take the load tape, put a V-Ring on it, overlap it at least 18 inches inside the balloon. Then sew a second layer of load tape 18 - 24 inches overlapped on the inside and outside of the balloon. Sew back and forth over all of this at least 4 passes. Note: You are going through four layers of load tape and 4 layers of Nomex.
    If you want to be neat about this, put the second layer of load tape UNDER the first layer, thus hiding the ends of the second piece of load tape. If you are going to do this, you have to know it before you begin sewing vertical load tapes because you have to leave the bottom 18 inches of the seam unsewn (Or you have to rip out the seam).
  20. Sew Bottom Girdle
    Use either 1" Load Tape, 1 1/2" Load Tape or 2" Seat Belt Webbing to make the girdle. I like using seat belt webbing, but 1" load tape is sufficient. That is what Aerostar uses.
  21. Optional: Load Tape Protectors
    I suggest putting a layer of Nomex over the load tape on the inside of the balloon. This protects the thread on the load tape. Make 6" wide strips of Nomex. Sew them on top of the load tape, with 1" folded under on each side, making a 4" wide strip over the top of the load tape. The dimensions given are just suggestions.
    sSew Parachute Girdle
    Use 1" Load Tape to make the girdle.
  22. Sew in Crown Ring
    1. Calculate the Diameter of the Parachute Opening
      Measure the EXACT Circumference of parachute opening. This can be done by measuring the width of each gore, until you are sure they are approximately the same, and then multiple by the number of gores. Divide the circumference by PI (3.14159265) to get the DIAMETER. Divide this by 2 to get the RADIUS.
    2. Measure the crown ring
      Measure the INSIDE diameter of your crown ring. Divide by 2 to get the radius.
    3. Calculate the length of the load tape
      Subtract the radius of the inside of the crown ring from the radius of the parachute opening.
    4. Mark each load tape
      Go to each load tape. Measure up from the parachute girdle to the dimension calculated above.
      Mark there. Then mark another 24" up from that.
      Cut the load tape at this second mark.
    5. Attach load tape to crown ring
      Fold the load tape over the crown ring at the first mark. To make it look nice, fold the load tape from the outside to the inside. That way the end of the load tape will be hidden inside.
      Use a safety pin to hold the load tape together
      Do this for all load tapes
      Spread the entire thing out to visually check to make sure it is correct.
      Once you have double checked everything, go back and sew the load tapes. Do at least 4 passes on the load tape.
    6. Sew in Spider Web
      If the balloon is larger than 77k, you should put in a spider web. Measure in about 1/3 from the outside of the parachute opening. Measure the distance to the exact center of the crown ring. This is the Radius at that point. Multiple by 2 * pi (3.14159265). This is the circumference at that point. Divide this by the number of gores. This give you the dimension between load tapes at that point Distance-D. Take a piece of load tape that is longer than this circumference. Mark it every Distance-D. Sew this circumferential band on the load tapes at the points marked above

  23. Make Parachute
      ccCalculate Parachute Diameter
      Using the parachute opening diameter determined above, calculate the diameter of the parachute. Make sure you have at least 12 - 18 inch overlap, on bigger balloons you might even consider going to 20 inches. NOTE: This is added onto the RADIUS, so the diameter is 24-36 inches larger than the opening.
    1. Parachute Design
      The parachute can either be made by making pie-shaped gores, or simple horizontal panels making circle the diameter needed. If you are using the Smalley spread sheet, it will give you the dimensions needed all the way to the center.
    2. Parachute Artwork
      Consider putting some sort of artwork on the parachute, at minimum a smiley face is nice.
      See http://www.skychariot.com/BalloonParachutes.html
    3. Centering Line Attachment Points
      Attach the centering line attachment points to the parachute. Use 18 - 24 inch pieces of load tape, with the parachute sandwiched in between the load tape.
    4. Outer Load Tape
      Sew a row of load tape all the way around the parachute. Put the load tape on the INSIDE of the parachute. This gives the parachute a smoother surface to seal against the inside of the balloon.
    5. Parachute Velcro on Parachute
      Sew Velcro on top of each attachment point. Use 2" Velcro, 6" long.
    6. Parachute Velcro on Balloon
      Install Velcro Parachute Holding tabs in balloon
      Can't be done until parachute is finished to make sure they are in correct location
    7. Install Parachute Rigging
      Install the Parachute by tying in the Centering lines. Attach the shroud lines then attach the Red Line and its pulleys
      The parachute centering lines may take some adjusting.
  24. Make and Install Basket Cables
    Use NICOPRESS fittings. Make sure you use the Go/No-Go gauge to test EVERY fitting, Alternatively, you can use cables from a dead balloon. IF the old balloon has the same number of gores and approximately the same mouth diameter. Using the cables from an old balloon, or using the cable dimensions from a known balloon design makes this a lot easier. See discussion on Basket Cables
  25. Make Skirt or Scoop
    If you made the number of gores and width of the bottom of the balloon the same as an existing balloon design, you can use patterns from that same balloon. I like making the skirt or scoop out of Nomex. This is more expensive, but I feel it is worth it. I prefer a scoop. It takes less material, and helps on windy inflations and tethers.
  26. Test Inflation
    Take it slow. Check everything, especially parachute centering lines.
    Take lots of pictures!
  27. Write Manual
    FAA requires a flight manual. Look at other balloon manuals. Keep it simple. Don't put in any undo restrictions. Make your options flexible. Remember: If it is in the manual, it is probably okay.
  28. FAA Paperwork
    Fun! 8130-6, 8130-12
  29. FAA Inspection
    DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) or FAA direct. Using a DAR is easier, but costs money (typical is $300 - $400). The FAA is free, but they aren't as flexible in time.
  30. Test Flights
    FAA requires 10 hours of testing in a 25 mile radius of a given airport. They usually require at least the first flight to be solo. Sometimes they may require all 10 hours to be solo. This will vary by FISDO. If flying a balloon solo that is designed for more than one person, make sure you take extra ballast with you.
    Take lots of pictures!!



Discussion of Steps

    sBalloon Size
    Balloon Size depends on a lot of things. How many people do you want to fly? How big you are? What type of temperatures do you fly in? If the balloon is too small, you will easily overheat it. If it is too big, it can be hard to bring down. Yes, this sounds hard to belive, but it is true. Also, if the balloon is too big, you will be under-pressurized. This will allow the balloon to cave in on the sides if you go thru bad wind-shears. I like to fly balloons cool, so I usually make them a little bigger than needed, but you don't want them too big.
    You also need to decide on the number of gores. For smaller balloons, 16 gores is usually enough. If you are making a balloon larger than 77k, you should consider 24 gores. The more gores, the smoother / rounder the balloon. Less gores make the balloon more bulbous.

  • Balloon Color / Pattern
    KISS Keep It Simple Stupid. Especially on your first balloon. Having different panels different colors is very easy. Inlaid designs are difficult and not recommended for the beginner.


  • Calculating Panel Dimensions
    Calculating the actual dimensions of the panels can be one of the hardest steps in this project. The Smalley Spread Sheet itself only gives the dimensions for a vertical cut balloon. If you are not comfortable with simple algebra, this step can be very daunting.
    1. Determine the width of your fabric.
      Nomex is normally 60" wide. The 1.3 oz Silicone that many of us uses is normally 65" wide. Other types of Nylon are often 60". If you are lucky, all of your rolls of fabric are the exact same width. If not, you will have to cut the fabric to the same width (except for the Nomex, we will treat that separately). You can have different panel heights in your balloon, but this gets confusing and is not recomended. Any panel will have to be the height of the width of the narrowest color in that panel.
    2. Determine the width of the bottom panel
      This should be made the same as a known balloon design so you can use cables, skirts, and scoops from that balloon design. For example, for the Aerostar S55A (77K), S57A (90K), and S60A (105K) This bottom dimension is 11.70 inches and for the Aurora S53A (69K) and S49A (54K) the dimension is 16.25 inches. The Smalley Spread sheet, or the Aerostar panel dimensions give you fabric widths at different station points along the gore length, but never in the exact place that you need the dimension. So you have to interpolate between the given widths to get the needed widths. This can be done using on-line interpolation tools.
      For example http://www.ajdesigner.com/phpinterpolation/linear_interpolation_equation.php. The version of the Smallley Spread Sheet that I give out has this interpolation calculation in the spread sheet. You still have to type in the numbers to get the dimensions you need for your balloon size. If you are having problems with this, let me know and I will be happy to do a set of dimensions for you.
    3. Calculate the dimensions of the rest of the panels
      Using the width of your fabric, go up the gore and find your next cut point. Use the interpolation, calculate the width at that point. Then go back down 2.25 inches (this is TWICE the overlap dimension of 1.125 inches) and interpolate again. The interpolation calculations in my spread sheet do both of these at the same time. This saves on typing.


  • Cutting Table
    The biggest space you will need is a cutting table. If you have a Pool Table or a Ping Pong Table you have all the space you need. Ideally, a table 6' by 12' (or longer) works great for cutting. Use MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and make a table top to go on top of your pool table or ping-pong table. Make sure your table top is perfectly square, you will be using it as your measurement references for all cutting.


  • Cutting Fabric
    Most types of Nylon have a 'top side' and a 'bottom side' to the fabric. Most fabrics also have a slight difference in color depending on which side is out. So, you need to cut half of the panels so that you get left side and half so you have a right side. You can do this by cutting half 'face up' and half 'face down'. Also, it is HIGHLY advisable to mark each and every panel with what panel # it is and note somehow that what side of the fabric is 'top'. If you write small at the edge of the fabric, it will be sewn into a seam and never seen. I recommend picking a place on the panel, and writing in the same place on every panel. For example, I write on the straight edge on the bottom of the panel. For example, in the drawing below, I write where the '+' is. By writing in the same place on every panel, you don't have to go searching for the label, you know exactly where it is. For dark colors, use Silver Sharpe's. Write small, less then 3/4" on the edge of the panel.
    The easiest way to cut fabric is to use a rotary cutter (looks like a pizza cutter). But the that requires getting cutting mats to put on top of the cutting table. This is expensive. Another good choice is the electric rotary cutters. They do not require cutting mats. They can easily go thru 24 layers of fabric.

    The spread sheet gives you top and bottom dimensions for each panel. Lets call those W-Top and W-Bot.
    W-Top             W-Bot
    |-------------/-------+
    |------------/--------|
    |-----------/---------|
    |----------/----------|
    |---------/-----------|
    |--------/------------|
    +-------/-------------|
    W-Bot W-Top
    I lay down a layer of fabric, tape it down with 2" Masking Tape and then add another layer, and another, and another. Typically, I cut between 8 and 12 layers at a time. 12 is about maximum. The other limit is how many layers you can get taped down and keep them straight. The silicone nylon is slippery and since the tape does not stick well, it is hard to keep taped down well.
    By cutting this way, you get two panels per layer of fabric. It speeds up cutting and reduces waste.
    If you have a longer cutting table, you can even save more time by cutting more than one panel/pair at a time. This saves on time because it takes about the same amount of time to lay out the fabric, no matter what the length, and it saves on waste because you have the same amount of waste per layer if you are cutting one panel/pair or two panel/pairs.
    W-Top1          W-Bot1 W-Top2          W-Bot2
    |-------------/-------|-------------/-------|
    |------------/--------|------------/--------|
    |-----------/---------|-----------/---------|
    |----------/----------|----------/----------|
    |---------/-----------|---------/-----------|
    |--------/------------|--------/------------|
    |-------/-------------|-------/-------------|
    W-Bot1 W-Top1 W-Bot2 W-Top2

    W-Top1 W-Bot1 W-Top2 W-Bot2 W-Top3 W-Bot3
    |-------------/-------|-------------/-------|-------------/-------|
    |------------/--------|------------/--------|------------/--------|
    |-----------/---------|-----------/---------|-----------/---------|
    |----------/----------|----------/----------|----------/----------|
    |---------/-----------|---------/-----------|---------/-----------|
    |--------/------------|--------/------------|--------/------------|
    |-------/-------------|-------/-------------|-------/-------------|
    W-Bot1 W-Top1 W-Bot2 W-Top2 W-Bot3 W-Top3

  • Thread
    Aerostar and others use Polyester #69 Bonded Thread. Cameron uses Nylon. I prefer Polyester for two reasons. It doesn't stretch as much, and it has a higher melting point than Nylon.
    White is used most often, but depending on the color of your fabric and the needs for the design, you can use colored thread. If you use a thread the same color as your fabric it is much harder to see when you need to rip out a seam. I like to have white thread on the top and black thread on the bottom (bobbins). The contrasting colors makes it real easy to see how well your stitches are being made. For a good description on how the stitching is supposed to be, see Jon Radowski's Web Page How to Sew a Balloon I like to buy pre-wound bobbins. It is much easier, but it is a little more expensive than winding your own. I buy my thread from www.thethreadexchange.com

  • Basket Cables
    If you use the mouth dimension of an existing balloon, you can use the cable dimensions from that balloon, or better yet, get cables from a dead balloon. If you are making a 16 gore balloon, use the dimensions from an Aerostar Aurora, S49A / S-53A which are both 16 gore balloons with the same bottom dimensions. If you are making a 24 gore balloon use the dimensions of the Aeristar S-55A / S-57A / S60A which are all 24 gores balloons with the same bottom dimensions. Cameron / Lindstrand or other brand dimensions and cables will work just as well.
    To make this work, the dimension of the bottom of the gore has to match the balloon you are copying the cables from. See discussion about Calculating Panel Dimensions.

Keith Sproul's Home Built Balloons

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N-48KX
LimeLight
Sproul 48K-16 (2003)

N-48KX


N-48KX
LimeLight
Sproul 48K-16 (Re-built 2017-2018)

N-48KX


N-73KX
Indecision
Sproul 73K-24 (2004)

N-73KX


N-73KX
Indecision
Sproul 73K-24 (Rebuilt 2019)

N-72KX
Wings of Wind
Sproul 72K-TET (2004)

Tetrahedron Balloons


N-9713T
Blaser Tet
Sproul 46K-TET (2006)

Tetrahedron Balloons


N-72KX
StarTet
Sproul 72K-TET (2010)

Tetrahedron Balloons


N-83KX
Undecided
Sproul 83K-16 (2019)

N-83KX


Pictures mentioned in descriptions

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Tape Foot
For feedling load tape into seam



Tape Foot
Note, has 1" and 3/4" slots



Hand Held Rotary Cutter
Requires Cutting Matt



Electric Rotary Cutter
$400 - $500



Keith Sproul's Sewing Machines

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Main Production Sewing Machine
Consew 333RB with Puller



Note: French Feld Seam folder in front of sewing foot


Note: Puller is raised and lowered with compressed air


Close up of Puller


Embeded light shows fabric going into folder

Load Tape Rack

Second Production Sewing Machine
Singer 212W120 with Puller



Note: Puller is raised and lowered with manual lever


Close up of Puller


Backup Production Sewing Machine
Singer 112W116 with Puller



Note: Recessed light in front of Sewing Foot
This makes it so you can see the folded seam


Close up of Puller


Main Repair Sewing Machine
Singer 212W120
No Puller, Puller gets in the way when doing repairs



Installation of Recessed Light



2" hole drilled with hole saw 3/4" down
Make sure the hole is deep enough so that the LED light does not touch the tape.


1" hole all the way thru for wires


Puck LED Light from Home Depot or Lowes


Light with white tape over it


Light showing thru fabric


Recommended Needles for these sewing machines

Sewing MachineRecommended Needle
Consew 333RB135X17 (DPX17)
Singer 112W116126X9 (3305)
Singer 212W140135X7 (1901)

Recommended Thread

UseThread
Balloon FabricPolyester #69 Bonded
Canvas or other thicker itemsPolyester #92 Bonded

I buy my thread and needles from
www.thethreadexchange.com
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"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards,
for there you have been and there you will long to return."

- Leonardo da Vinci

"It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill."
- Wilbur Wright

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
- Will Smith

"Time is the most valuable gift you can give someone"
- Unknown




WWW.SKYCHARIOT.COM Home & Schedule
Keith Sproul's Festival History

Scorch the Dragon Hot Air Balloon
Pandy Hot Air Balloon
Tetrahedron Hot Air Balloon
Birthday Cake Hot Air Balloon
Pig Headed Hot Air Balloon
Fred B Rabbit Hot Air Balloon

Meteor Crater Flight
Letchworth State Park, NY Gorge Flights
Shooting the Delaware Water Gap PA/NJ
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo, TX
Red Rock Balloon Festival, Gallup, NM
2007 Switzerland Balloon Festival
Dawn Patrol Flights
Splash-N-Dash Flights
Fried Photogrpaher Pictures

Chariot Balloons
Keith's Cameron Duo Chaiot
Balloon Flights in 3D
Balloon Parachute Artwork
Balloon Pictures from the Bottom
Red, White & Blue Balloons
Arrow Design Balloons
Flame Design Balloons
Aerostar Aurora Balloons
Parachute Drop Pictures
List of University Balloons
FLIR Balloons Pictures (Infrared heat picture)
Flytec Instruments Info Page
Digitool Instruments Info Page

How to make a Hot Air Balloon
How to make a Tetrahedron Hot Air Balloon
How to put turning vents into a Hot Air Balloon
Envelope / Basket Retrieval Cart

Twins
Bonnie, our Dog
Mark Sproul's Observatory
Mark & Keith's GAIA Star Database Project
Keith Sproul's N-Scale Trains

aviationweather.gov
www.ventusky.com
www.windy.com
usairnet.com Winds Aloft
www.blastvalve.com


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Created 1/24/2007
Modified 10/24/2023
© Copyright Keith Sproul
EMail ksproul@skychariot.com