How to Construct a Kite

Kite flying is a popular pastime. An operator on the ground controls the craft's movements by means of long strings. The kite turns to catch the breeze, moving up and down or from side to side. Paper and wood are used to create a variety of shapes and sizes. The simplest form of kite is diamond-shaped.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy paper 48 by 48 inches
• Wooden dowel 42 inches long
• Wooden dowel 36 inches long
• String
• Transparent tape
• Six ribbons
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Place the dowels together in the form of a cross. The shorter dowel should be the horizontal piece. Use the string to tie the shorter dowel securely on top of the longer dowel at a point 3 inches above the middle of the longer dowel. Use enough string so that the dowels are fixed securely together and then fasten the string with a knot.

2. Cut a notch at each end of both dowels with a utility knife. The notch must be deep enough to accommodate a few thicknesses of the string. Make a loop of string and then wind the string around the notch at the top of the longer dowel. The loop must stick out past the dowel end, and the string itself must be securely attached to the notch.

3. Take the free end of the string clockwise around the entire kite. Wind it securely around each notch in turn, making a matching loop at the bottom of the long dowel. There are no loops on the shorter dowel, and the string is taut all the way around the kite.

4. Bring the end of the string back to the notch at the top of the longer dowel. Loop it securely in place. Cut off any excess string.

5. Lay the wooden frame face down on top of the paper. Trim the paper around the kite, leaving a border about 1 inch wide all around the kite frame.

6. Fold the edges of the paper over the frame of the kite. Tape the paper securely in place.

7. Cut a piece of string 48 inches long. Tie one end of the string to the top loop on the kite. Tie the other end of the string to the bottom loop.

8. Cut another piece of string 48 inches long. Tie the string to the loop at the bottom of the kite frame. This is the kite's tail. Tie ribbons to the tail at intervals of 6 inches.

9. Make a loop in the middle of the string that connects the two loops on the kite frame. This loop should be roughly over the point where the two dowels cross over each other.

10. Attach the flying string to this loop. The flying string can be as long as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Vary the look of your kite by using colored paper. Draw or paint on different designs and patterns.

• Avoid flying your kite during very high winds. Do not fly your kite during a storm.

Resources

• Fun With Wind kites
• The Kite Store
• Coastal Kites