How to Make a Small Kite

Flying a kite is a great recreational activity, and building your own kite is especially rewarding, because it can be an extension of your personality.
Using a few household items and an hour or so of your time, you can customize your small kite.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thin (1/8"), flexible dowel (2) 1 yard of desired fabric Thread Needle Scissors or other cutting implement Sandpaper Super Glue Spool of kite line Sewing machine (optional)

1. Cut the dowels with sharp scissors or small saw. For a small diamond shape, a 18" vertical dowel and a 12" horizontal dowel will work.

2. Sand the ends of the dowels.

3. Bind the two dowels together by placing them at a perpendicular angle at the desired height and securing them in place by wrapping thread on a diagonal around each of the dowels. When completed, it should look like an "X."

4. Fix the thread and dowels in place by applying Super Glue liberally to the area.

5. Cut the fabric to fit over the constructed frame with an extra inch around the edge of the diamond.

6. Fold the extra inch over the back of the fabric and secure. This can be done with a regular thread and needle, Super Glue or a sewing machine.

7. Secure the corners of the fabric to the ends of the dowels using the needles and thread. Also, secure the middle of the fabric to the dowel cross by mirroring the "X" shape used to secure the dowels.

8. Attach the kite line to the dowel crosspiece. Knot securely.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, use more thread to secure the dowels and fabric. Match the thread to the fabric to insure the best look for the kite.