How to Make a Homemade Delta Kite

Delta kites are single winged, keeled kites that mimic the look of stunt kites but do not require dual control strings or special flying instructions. Delta kites are easily made at home with tissue paper and wooden dowels. Follow these simple steps to make a small, easy-to-fly delta kite.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 20" by 30" sheet tissue paper 20" long 1/8"-diam. dowel 100 to 200 ft. spool of kite string Kabob skewers Scissors Elmer's white glue

1. 
   Cut along the labeled "cut" lines.

   Cut out the wings of the kite by using the scissors to cut a diagonal running from a point three inches from the bottom of the tissue paper up to the top corner. Also cut out the keel---the part that steers the kite---by measuring six inches along the bottom of the tissue paper and cutting diagonals from this point to each corner of the wing.

2. 
   Glue along the middle seam to form the keel.

   Glue the two wings together along the inner seams with the Elmer's white glue.

3. 
   Use the scissors to cut the skewers and then glue the spars along the edges of the wings and center line.

   Cut the spars-the supporting framework of the kite-out of the skewers and then use the Elmer's white glue to glue the spars down to the long edges of the wings and center.

4. 
   Reinforce the nose and the keel of the tissue paper.

   Use the packing tape to reinforce along the keel and front part of the nose.

5. 
   Insert the spreader bar.

   Insert the spreader bar across the wings of the kite and use the tape and glue to secure the spreader bar in place. Tie the string to the keel and get flying!

Tips & Warnings

• You can use plastic grocery bags instead of tissue paper to form the wings and body of the kite.

Resources

• Online resource for finding and purchasing kite building kits