How to Make a Simple Kite That Flies

Make your own kite to fly high in the clouds.

Kites are popular toys to take to the park or the beach, especially on a windy day. Because of their popularity, there are many different types of kites available for purchase, but some are quite expensive. Fortunately, it is easy to make a simple kite at home. Best of all, this homemade kite flies just as well as any store-bought kite and is much less expensive. With a few common, inexpensive craft supplies, anyone can make a homemade kite--even kids can join in on the fun.

Things You'll Need

• 24 inch wooden dowel
• 20 inch wooden dowel
• Ruler
• Marker
• Trash bag
• Tape
• Twine
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Using a ruler, mark the 24 inch wooden dowel with a marker 6 inches from one of the ends. Mark the 20 inch wooden dowel directly in the middle, or 10 inches from either end.

2. Cross the dowels over each other so that they intersect at the marks and form four right angles. Tightly wrap twine around the intersection point to keep the dowels together. Secure with a knot and cut off any excess string at the ends.

3. Using your dowel frame as a guide, cut a diamond shaped piece out of a trash bag that is both long enough and wide enough to fit the frame. Tape the piece to the dowels at each of the four corners.

4. Tie the loose end of a large roll of twine to the middle of the kite where the dowels intersect to serve as the kite's flying string. Leave enough twine at the end to allow your kite to fly high in the sky.

5. For added decoration, tie a 24 inch piece of ribbon to the bottom of the kite.

References

• PBS: Make a Kite
• Storm the Castle: How to Make a Traditional Kite
• Science Museum of Minnesota: Kites