How to Make a Simple Kite for Kids

Gather supplies and make ready a clear work area. Please see the last slide for an itemized list of tools and materials.

Using the utility knife, cut a small notch 12 inches down on the 36-inch dowel and another one in the center of the 30-inch dowel.

Lay the dowels together at a 90 degree angle at the notches. Wrap small gauge wire around and between the dowels, forming an X and binding them together tightly.

Wrap the wire with duct tape to prevent the wire from rubbing and tearing the paper which will cover the kite.

Cut horizontal notches in the 36-inch dowel and vertical notches in the 30-inch dowel. Tie a length of string at the top of the 36-inch dowel going through the notch and around the dowel. Continue the string around the kite frame fitting it into the notches and around the dowel at each point. Keep the string taught but do not pull the frame out of the familiar diamond shape.

Lay the frame on the wrapping paper and trim to 1 inch around the perimeter of the kite frame. Fold and glue the edges over the string.

Wrap the edges with duct tape, being sure to reinforce the corners. Use a paper punch to punch two holes at each corner close to the stick.

Thread a length of string through the holes on one side and tie tightly. Pull gently across to the opposite side and thread the string through the holes. Tie this string tightly, putting a slight arch in the kite frame.

Place tape patches 4 inches from the center on each side. Put these patches on both sides of the paper and cut a small X in the center of each patch.

Thread a length of string through the Xs and tie it to the cross brace at both sites, leaving a loop about 10 inches long. Tie the kite string to this bridle. Attach a 6-foot length of ribbon to the bottom through the holes and add a few 6-inch cross pieces to the tail.