Due to its novel mechanical behavior, there is growing interest in using bistable carbon fiber laminated composites in a variety of applications, such as soft robotics, vibration control, medical devices, material handling and aerospace. Utilizing an asymmetric fiber configuration, the bistable composite is capable of deforming between two different stable shapes, which makes them desirable for lightweight morphing structures. However, there are challenges in designing morphing structures composed of bistable laminated composites, because there is an inverse relationship between the degree of shape change and the thickness and associated load bearing capacity of the composite. Recently, we have investigated the use of “layered jamming” obtained under differential vacuum pressure to overcome these challenges. By integrating the bistable laminated composite with conventional laminated composites and/or other passive materials, we can vary the stiffness of the structure to either lower the load levels needed to actuate the structure between the two stable states of the composite, or to suppress the bistable behavior. In this paper, we present an enhanced analytical and experimental understanding of the layered jamming mechanism when using layered jamming, and the ability to design layered material configurations that exploit layered jamming for controlling actuation. Using experimental data and a previously developed model for layered jamming structures, we designed and fabricated a lightweight morphing structure that exhibited behavior similar to a shape memory material.