Instructions on How to Make a Kite
A kite is made of a stiff, spindled frame with a plastic sheeting material used to create the aerodynamics. You can easily build a kite using whatever colors and decorations you want with just a few simple materials. These kites are simple enough that you can allow kids to help in the construction. You will need to use a prefabricated flight line to control the kite once it is in air.
Things You'll Need
- Bamboo stick, 40¼ inches long
- Bamboo stick, 35 inches long
- String
- Glue
- Sail plastic
- Utility knife
- Electrical tape
- Ribbon or bows
Instructions
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1
Arrange two bamboo sticks so they form an uneven cross, like a Roman cross. The longer stick should be vertical and the shorter one horizontal.
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2
Wrap a string diagonally across the cross-section of the bamboo sticks, diagonally to the right and diagonally to the left, until it is securely tied. Glue the string down in the middle to hold it in place.
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3
Cut a notch ½ inch from the ends of both sticks with a utility knife. The notch should be parallel with the ends of the stick and half as deep. You should have four notches.
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4
Tie a piece of string between each notched end so you end up with a diamond shape. The string should be resting in the notches so it doesn't slip off.
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5
Place the strung sticks on top of a sheet of sail plastic. Cut out the sail with scissors, leaving about 3 inches of extra plastic all around the strings.
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6
Fold over the excess plastic around the sticks, and tape it down with electrical tape. Make sure the plastic is pulled tight when you tape it down.
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7
Tie a 48-inch long piece of string around the top point of the kite, and knot it in place.
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8
Tie a small loop in the middle of the string, and knot the loose end around the bottom of the kite. You will pass a flight line through the loop in the middle of this string whenever you want to fly the kite.
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9
Tie ribbon or bows to the bottom of the kite to make a decorative tail that will be visible when in flight.
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Tips & Warnings
You can buy just one flight line and use it for as many kites as you want to make.
Do not rest sharp, pointy or heavy objects on top of the kite or you might tear it or break the frame.
References
- Photo Credit kite image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I am determined to do this.... who's wit me? Looking for some friends who want to have some fun with their kids this weekend. I will be going to home depot this week to get the stuff. I want my kite to be 5 feet tall! I challenge you to out fly me.
