Kites are a fun pastime to play with on a windy day, providing hours of fun for kids of all ages. A basic kite is quite easy for a child to build with a little help from an adult and can be made with a few materials available at a craft store. Kids will love seeing their kites fly high in the sky!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Building the Structure
Step 1. Get all the material needed to build the kite structure
It is useful to have the materials at hand so that the structure can be made quickly and easily. You can get these materials at a craft store:
- 4 wooden slats with a diameter of 5 mm.
- A hand saw.
- A precision pocket knife.
- Rope, twine or fishing line.
Step 2. Cut the wooden slats to the ideal length of your kite stands
The vertical support must be 60 cm long, the horizontal one 50 cm. Be sure to ask an adult for help cutting the battens.
- Measure the length of the battens.
- Make a pencil mark at the desired length.
- Cut them with a hand saw to avoid splintering.
Step 3. Make notches on the battens
Use a precision knife to make small notches on each end that are perpendicular to the length of the batten. The notches must cross the stick from side to side, not line up with it.
A precision pocketknife is a very sharp tool, so ask an adult to help you or cut notches for you
Step 4. Mark the battens
Use a ruler and a pen, pencil or marker to indicate the measurements on the two sticks.
- On the 60 cm long stick, make a mark 15 cm from one of the two ends.
- On the 50 cm long one make a mark at 25 cm.
Step 5. Overlap the two battens
Align the two marks you traced on the slats by placing the shorter one above the other perpendicularly, so that they form a cross.
Step 6. Legal together
Use string, twine, or fishing line to tie the two sticks together at the center meeting point. Tie it together with the rope, then wrap it around it in an X.
- Keep the slats perpendicular to each other in the shape of a cross while winding the rope.
- Make sure you wrap it tightly.
- Knot the string after tying the two sticks together.
- Do not cut the rope after this - you will need it to tie all the pieces of the structure together.
Step 7. Wrap the rope around the outside of the kite structure
Bring it up to the top of the cross and pass it through the notch at the top.
- Pass the rope around the 4 ends of the kite structure in a clockwise direction.
- As you go, wrap it around the slats.
- Finally bring it back to the center to tie it around the X made earlier.
- The rope should be in the shape of a kite.
- Pull the string firmly as you pass it around the battens so that it is taut.
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Sail
Step 1. Choose the material from which to make the sail
You can choose from different materials, depending on the look you want for your kite, and decorate some of them to make it unique. You can use at your choice:
- A sturdy trash bag.
- Lightweight paper.
- Lightweight fabric.
- Newspaper.
- A plastic bag.
Step 2. Collect all the materials needed to make the sail
Before starting your project you should already have:
- Sailing material.
- Scissors.
- Strong adhesive tape.
Step 3. Cut the sail for the kite
Place the kite structure on top of the sail material and draw a slightly larger outline (3 to 5 cm larger). Use the scissors to cut it out.
Step 4. Attach the sail to the structure
Fold the edges of the sail over the string that forms the frame and secure them with strong adhesive tape.
Strengthens the top and bottom of the kite. Use duct tape to reinforce the ends, sticking one or two more pieces around them
Part 3 of 3: Attaching the Cable and Tail
Step 1. Get the tools and material needed to make the kite's retaining cable and tail
Storing these materials in the same place before starting the project will save you time during construction:
- Pen.
- Rope.
- Tape.
- Scotch tape.
Step 2. Make the kite bridle
It is a rope that extends the entire length of the structure, to which the restraint cable is attached.
- Use a pen to make a small hole in the two ends (top and bottom) that you have previously reinforced with tape.
- Cut 60 cm of rope.
- Pass one end of the rope through the upper hole and the other through the lower one, then knot them.
Step 3. Attach the restraint cable to the bridle at the point where the two ribs cross
Holding the kite by the bridle, find the exact point where it is parallel to the ground: this is where you will need to attach the restraint cable. Knot the end of the rope around the bridle: you will hold the other end in your hand when you fly the kite.
Step 4. Use the ribbon to make the tail of the kite
You can attach it to the upper end by knotting it after passing it through the hole or by applying adhesive tape.
- The tail should be 2 to 6 meters long, depending on the weight of the kite.
- Cut small pieces of ribbon to make a few bows to tie on the tail.
- Try different tail sizes until you get maximum stability.
Step 5. Make it fly
Take the kite outdoors on a windy day and watch it fly. Bring adhesive tape with you to repair any damage that may occur during the flight or landing.
Advice
- Use strong tape or glue to make sure the canopy stays attached to the structure.
- You can use a roll of toilet paper or another wooden stick around which to wrap the rope to make the kite fly more easily. You can also purchase the restraint cable at a store.
- Decorate the kite with crayons, markers, sequins or tempera to make it unique. It will be fun to see your work of art flying high in the sky.
Warnings
- Let an adult do the cutting with a precision knife and scissors - they are sharp tools and you can easily cut yourself if you're not careful.
- Splinters can occur when you cut the wooden slats - be careful not to get hurt.
- Fly the kite in an open space to prevent it from getting caught on trees or buildings.
