How to Make a Basic Kite

Outdoors is the place for experimenting with the elements. with a basic kite, your child can get to know the wind, how it behaves, and experience the exhilaration of harnessing it.

This kite is a very simple basic design, but it can fly beautifully and will keep your child amused for hours on a breezy day. It's also a great way for you to spend the afternoon together.

You Will Need:

• 3' x 6" x ¼" split bamboo or wood
• Strong colored paper about 20" x 26", or ¾ yard lightweight plastic fabric
• Colored tissue paper scraps
• Scissors – Ruler – Masking Tape – Sharp Knife – Strong Thread
• 100' of string

Making the Frame

Cut the wood into two lengths, one 18", and the other 24".

With strong thread, bind them together, 10" form one end of the longer piece, in the form of a cross. This is shown in Figure (a).

Cut V-shaped notches in the ends of the rods as in Figure (b).

Wind the thread through these notches all the way around to make a diamond-shaped frame. 

Fasten off thread securely - Figure (c).

The Body and Tail

Place the frame over the paper or fabric and draw around it, allowing 1" extra on all sides. Cut out.

Fold in this ‘hem’ over the string.

Cut a V shape out of each corner.

Carefully tape the hem down as shown in Figure (d).

Attach a 3' to 5' length of string to the bottom of the frame.

Tie tissue, fabric or paper scraps to the tail at regular intervals.

Ready to Fly Your New Kite

Tie another piece of string to the two ends of the longer piece of wood, it measurement plus 1 foot slack.

Make a small loop in the middle and tie one end of the flying string to it.

The kite will be easier to manage if the flying string is wound onto a piece of wood about 6" long.

You may have to adjust the tail pieces or lower the position of the loop where the string joins the kite to get the best flying results.

Experiment with the kite to find out what works best when you take the kite to a park, beach, or other open space. Check out the link at the bottom to get more information on making kites.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time,

Happy Crafting!