Spring is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors. An age old tradition of family fun and competition is flying a kite. Learn to design and build your own kite. Once you get the hang of making a simple kite, you will want to try new designs and modifications to make your kite soar higher and higher.
The following directions can be used to make a 2′ or 3′ kite. A size appropriate for the user will be easiest to fly.
Supplies Needed to Make Your Own Kite
· lightweight dowel 24″ long for a 2′ kite/ 36″ long for 3′ kite
· lightweight dowel 20″ long/ 30″ long for a 30″ kite
· A 26″ x 26″ piece of newsprint or plastic for small kite/ no smaller than 38″ x 38″ for larger kite
· 2 yard strip of plastic ribbon for your kite’s tail
·. You may even allow your children to give it a try. The most important thing a parent can do is use the utility knife.
You’re kite will be finished in no time following these easy steps.
Easy Steps to Making a Kite
1. Cut a small notch, approx ¼” to ½” into the ends of each dowel. Cuts should be made in the same direction and should be parallel to the ground.
2. If you are building a 2′ kite, measure approximately 6 inches from the top of the 24″ dowel and mark the measurement using your pencil. Measure and mark the 20″ dowel ten inches from the top.
If you are building a 3′ kite, measure 9″ down from the top of the 36″ dowel. Measure and mark the 30″ dowel 15″ from the top.
3. Match the measured markings and create the cross structure for the back of the kite. Make sure the notches remain parallel to the ground and tie the cross dowel together using string or fishing line. Double or triple the string at the meeting points of the dowel before tying it off. Make sure the structure is secure.
4. Using your lightweight string thread it tightly around the kite frame. Pull the strings tightly through the notches. Tie the string off after wrapping it around the cross point of the frame one more time.
Once you have secured the string around the kite structure it should resemble a diamond shape.
5. Cut the paper or plastic that will make your kite 1 to 2 inches larger than the kite. Use the frame as a guide. Using the ruler mark the paper. Remove the frame and cut the kite out of paper or plastic.
6. Place the kite frame on the kite cut-out. Attach the paper or plastic using tape.
7. Use a piece of tape to reinforce the tip of the bottom and top of the kite. Then, punch a hole through the reinforced kite tips.
8. If you used plain newsprint, white plastic or clear plastic use acrylic or tempera paints to decorate your kite with bright colors and designs.
9. If you are making a 2′ kite, cut a 2′ piece of string and tie it through the reinforced holes at the top and bottom of the kite.
If you are making a 3′ kite, cut a 3′ piece of string and tie it through the reinforced holes at the top and bottom of the kite.
This piece of string is known as the bridle.
10. Tape or tie the 2 yard ribbon to the bottom of your kite to make a tail. Use small strips of the ribbon, or small strips of plastic to tie small ribbons to the kite tail approximately every six inches.
The kite’s tail adds stability to your kite while it is in flight.
11. Attach your flying string approximately 8″ from the top of the bridle. On the 3 foot kite, attach your flying string approximately 12″ from the top of the bridle.
Get outside and enjoy the spring weather flying your kite. Help a friend make a kite so you can fly kites together.
