How to Make a Chinese Kite

Kites have a rich history in Chinese culture. Historical records suggest that kites were not just toys, but they were used in battle. In fact, large kites were used to hoist men up high enough to observe the enemy. Today, kites are referred to as "Fengzheng." While making Chinese kites is not an easy feat, you can make one by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White plastic trash bags
• Wire clothes hanger or any other sturdy but flexible wire
• Fourteen inch long wooden stick with 3/16 diameter
• Cellophane tape
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Marker
• Kite cord

1. Gather the materials necessary to make your kite including the following items: white plastic trash bags, clothes hanger, dowel (3/16 diameter and 14 inches long), cellophane tape, pencil, ruler, permanent markers, string and kite cord.

2. Use scissors to cut along the seams of both sides of the trash bag so that you have one large sheet. Tape this sheet to a table or other flat working surface. Some people choose to work with silk instead of trash bags, if so, tape the silk down to the table.

3. Draw a circle on your trash bag or silk. The circle should be 14 inches in diameter. Now you are going to draw a 14 inch horizontal straight line at the base of the circle so that it looks like your circle is sitting on the horizontal line. Then draw two straight lines down from the sides of the circle, to the ends of the horizontal line. Basically, you are squaring off the circle.

4. Mark a 1 inch margin around the squared off circle, and then cut the trash bag along this margin.

5. Place a mark at the center of the squared off circle. Then, place your wooden stick over the mark at the center of the squared off circle. Your wooden stick should be perpendicular to the straight line at the base of the circle.

6. Loop one end of the wire around the top of your wooden stick so that the wire is securely attached. Continue to shape the wire along the line that denotes the 14-inch diameter squared off circle. When you come to the bottom of your wooden stick, loop the wire around the stick and then continue shaping the wire until you return to the top of the stick. Make one final and secure loop and then cut the wire.

7. Fold the excess inch of plastic over the wire. Secure it in place using tape.

8. Place a piece of tape on each side of the wooden stick at the top center and the bottom center of the squared off circle. You will use 4 pieces of tape total. Punch four holes, one through each piece of tape.

9. Grab a 3 foot piece of kite cord. Fold it in half and tie an overhand knot at the top of your fold. This gives you a small loop through which you can attach the kite string. Place the loop over the center of the kite and then stretch the ends of the kite cord in opposite directions along your wooden stick. Lace the ends of the kite cord through the holes you created at the top and bottom of your kite. Finally, secure the kite cord to the wooden stick, by wrapping it around the stick and then tying it off. This is your kite's bridle.

10. Tie a 20 to 30 foot long piece of kite cord to the loop you created in the middle of your bridle. This will be the cord you use to fly your kite.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw the face of a dragon on the front of your kite. Also, attach streamers to the bottom of the kite for extra decoration.
• When you shape the wire around the line, be sure to include the straight lines that connect the sides of the circle with the bottom horizontal line. You want the wire to include the squared off portion of the circle.