How Are Kites Made?

Kite flying is a fun activity for children as well as adults.

Kites come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, no kite style is more iconic than the classic diamond kite, like the many Charlie Brown flew into the kite-eating tree. The diamond-shaped kite design is also the easiest style of kite to create. With a simple design that doesn't require any gluing, a diamond design will get you going from the crafting table to the outdoors to start flying in just a few minutes, adding an always-welcome dose of fresh air to your daily schedule. While a wide range of woods can be used in kite making, be sure to select a wood which is flexible and strong.

Things You'll Need

• 36 inch stick, 1/4" square
• 33 inch stick, 1/4" square
• Masking tape
• Crafting knife
• Scissors
• Plastic bag
• String
• Cloth strips, 1 foot by 2 inches

Instructions

1. Wrap both ends of each stick with masking tape.

2. Cut a 1/4-inch deep notch in both ends of the sticks.

3. Position the sticks in the shape of a cross, with the center of the 33-inch stick positioned 10 inches from one end of the longer stick, and secure with string. Be sure that the notches in each stick run parallel to the other stick in the cross before securing.

4. Wrap over the string with tape until the the sticks do not move.

5. Wrap a piece of string around the perimeter of the kite, starting at the end of the long stick farthest from the shorter stick, passing the string through each notch, then tying off when you reach the bottom of the kite again. Tape over the end of each stick to secure the string.

6. Lay the plastic garbage bag out flat, place the frame atop it, and cut out a diamond slightly larger than your frame.

7. Fold the plastic bag around the string perimeter and secure with four long strips of tape.

8. Cut a six-foot long piece of string and tie it to the bottom of the kite.

9. Tie pieces of cloth along the six foot piece of string, with one foot between each cloth.

10. Tie a piece of string, at least 15 feet long, to the center of the cross frame. This is the main line of the kite.

References

• Storm the Castle; How to Make a Traditional Kite - Including a Video