How to Build a Kite from Scratch
People have been putting kites in the sky for centuries. According to the American Kite Flying Association, the kite originated more than 2,000 years ago in China. However, kite flying as a recreational activity didn't start until the early 1900s. Designs range from simple to elaborate, and while a simple diamond design is affordable and easy to find, you can add an extra layer of activity by making your own kite.
Things You'll Need
- Two wooden sticks, one 36 inches long and the other 33 inches long
- Heavy-duty plastic trash bag
- Masking tape
- Lightweight string
- Ruler
- Pen or pencil
- Scissors
- Small saw, pocket knife or craft knife
- Strips of colorful cloth and/or ribbon
Instructions
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A craft knife can make small, precise notches in wood. Wrap masking tape around each end of both the 36-inch and the 33-inch wooden sticks, then use a small saw, pocket knife or craft knife to make a notch in the ends for the kite's string. Lay the 36-inch stick vertically. Measure 10 inches from the top and mark the spot with a pen or pencil. Place the 33-inch stick horizontally at that spot. Wrap string around the point where the sticks meet in an "X" pattern to tie the two sticks tightly together. Secure the string with masking tape.
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Run string all the way around the kite twice, slipping the string into the notches. Start and end at the kite's bottom. Tape over the notches to secure the string. Pull the string taut before tying; the crossbar should be slightly bowed.
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Lay the kite frame over the piece of plastic. Cut the plastic slightly larger than the frame. Fold the plastic over the string and tape it down, using long pieces of masking tape and ensuring that the plastic is taut.
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A roll of kite string will allow you to fly a kite high in the sky. Reinforce the top and bottom tips of the kite with masking tape. Punch a small hole through each tip with the point of a pen. Cut a two-foot length of string. Knot one end through the top hole and the other through the bottom hole to form the bridle of the kite. Take the rest of the string and attach one end of it about one-third of the way down the bridle for the flying string.
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Strips of colorful ribbon will make a kite stand out. Cut a six-inch piece of string and tie one end to the bottom tip of the kite. Tie strips of cloth and/or ribbon to the string to complete the kite's tail, which gives it stability.
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Tips & Warnings
When flying a kite, bring extra string and strips of cloth or ribbon to add to the tail to keep the kite flying straight.
Instead of a plastic trash bag, try a large piece of paper or newspaper. The Sunday comics pages would make a colorful kite.
If a child is making the kite, adult supervision or assistance should be used for cutting the notches in the wooden sticks for the string.
Avoid flying kites in rainy weather or lightning.
Watch out for power lines.
Make sure that your path is clear and safe before you start running with a kite.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
