Welcome! Making a kite can be a fun and challenging activity. As a beginner, it may seem intimidating to create something from scratch, but with a few simple steps you can make a beautiful and unique kite. This blog post outlines step-by-step instructions on how to make a kite, giving you the confidence to make something amazing. So, grab your supplies and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: What You’ll Need to Build a Kite
- 2. Step 1: Constructing the Frame of the Kite
- 3. Step 2: Attaching the Sails to the Frame
- 4. Step 3: Connecting the Tails and Bridle
- 5. Step 4: Adding the Control Cords
- 6. Step 5: Assembling the Handling System
- 7. Step 6: Preparing to Launch Your Kite
- Q&A
1. Introduction: What You’ll Need to Build a Kite
Making a kite isn’t as hard as you might think! Here, we’ll show you everything you need to build your own kite and make sure it’s all ready for some outdoor fun. So, what do you need to build a kite?
Materials
- Kite frame
- Kite string
- Paper, cloth, or nylon kite covering
- Scissors or craft knife
- Craft glue or mod podge
- Markers (optional)
The first step to building your kite is to decide on a frame; you will need something durable but lightweight – bamboo or dowels usually work best. Make sure to select a size and shape that is appropriate for the type of kite you want to make. After you have the frame, you’ll want to figure out which kite material you will use.}
Here are some of the most popular options:
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper: | Strong and lightweight, plus it is easy to customise and decorate. |
| Cloth: | Is thicker and heavier than paper, but it is also stronger and substantially more durable. |
| Nylon: | A step up from cloth in terms of durability and flight capability, with the added benefit of being waterproof. |
Once you’ve decided on a frame and material, you’re ready to put it all together! Gather the remaining supplies: Kite string, craft glue or mod podge, scissors or craft knife, and marker (optional).
Now you have everything you need to build your perfect kite. Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make your kite!
2. Step 1: Constructing the Frame of the Kite
Constructing the frame of your kite is the first step in creating your very own flying masterpiece. You will need some materials to get started:
- Two pieces of thin dowel rod or bamboo; one for the spine and one for the crosspiece
- Two, 12-inch pieces of string
- Two, one-inch pieces of tape
Once you have the spines and crosspiece in hand, align the spines so that the crosspiece is perpendicularly situated at one end. Take the pieces of string and form a loop around the crosspiece before taping it so that they are held together. The loop needs to be snug enough to hold the pieces of wood together, but not too tight as you’ll want to be able to slide it to the other side of the crosspiece once you encounter the center.
To reinforce the shape of the kite, make sure to measure and mark the spines at 12 inches on each side of the crosspiece. Now take the two remaining strings and loop them together the same way as before. Slide the loops to the center of the spines, and repeat the process at both ends. If the sides are complete, the frame of your kite is ready to move to the next step!
3. Step 2: Attaching the Sails to the Frame
Once you have your frame built, it’s time to attach the sails to your kite! Below are all the steps you’ll need to take:
- Lay your kite frame on a flat surface. Make sure you have a stable work bench with plenty of room for your materials.
- Cut your sail material The size of your sail will depend on the size and shape of your kite frame. Once you have the measurements, cut out the sail fabric. Make sure the material is large enough to cover the entire surface of the frame.
- Attach the sail to the kite frame Use a staple gun or upholstery tacks to attach the sail to the frame. Be sure to evenly space the tacks around the perimeter of the sail, as this will ensure the kite is aerodynamically sound.
Once you have the sail attached, your kite is ready to fly! Before heading out to the park, though, it’s important to make sure the kite has been properly balanced. Place it on the workbench and adjust the sail until the kite is level. This will give your kite even lift as it takes to the skies.
Finally, if you would like to add some extra stability to your kite, you can attach a tail. This can be done by cutting a long ribbon, attaching it to the back of the kite with tacks or staples and letting it hang down. Depending on the length and material you choose, the tail can help to stabilise the kite and balance out any gust of wind.
4. Step 3: Connecting the Tails and Bridle
Start by connecting the tails of the kite. Take four, long string pieces and attach them to the back bottom corners of the kite. Tie the tails to the bottom of the kite where the cross-brace is. Make sure you tie the strings firmly.
Once the tails are attached, it’s time to connect the bridle. Take the thin string and attach it to the cross-brace. With the string through the cross-brace, wrap the string around the closest corner of the kite. When you wrap the string, leave about one foot of slacked string spacers. Use the spacers to adjust the kite until it’s flying optimally.
You can also adjust the angles of the bridle to get the perfect balance. To do this, you can:
- Move the bridle loop either higher or lower on the cross-brace.
- Adjust the distance between the two bridle strings.
- Move the bridle loops on the outside corners of the kite.
| Bridle Angle | Wind Direction |
|---|---|
| Close to 90° | Light |
| 45° | Medium |
| Parallel | Strong |
To get the perfect bridle angle for each wind direction, you can experiment with the angles by adjusting the bridle. The key is finding a balance between all the elements of the kite: the bridle loop, wingspan, tail weight, and wind direction.
5. Step 4: Adding the Control Cords
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Now that your frame is complete, it’s time to add the control cords. These cords will enable you to guide your kite up into the sky or bring it back down to earth. To get started, you’ll need:
- 5 feet of thin cord or string
- Duct tape or hot glue
- Scissors
Next, cut two pieces of cord that are 5 feet long each. Place these pieces along the sides of the kite, with each cord centered in the middle of the side. Secure each cord in place with either duct tape or hot glue, being careful to make sure this connection is secure.
The two cords should be connected in a loop at the top of the spine of the kite and then pulled to the bottom. You can hold the connection in place at the top of the spine with a bit of duct tape. You also can add a small extra loop to each side of the kite in order to add more control. Finally, make sure to trim any excess string with scissors so that your kite looks neat and tidy.
With the control cords attached, you’re now ready to take your kite outside and enjoy the beautiful sky! Congratulations on making your own kite—you’re now ready to soar!
6. Step 5: Assembling the Handling System
Now that we’ve prepared all of the parts, it’s time to incorporate them into the handling system for our kite. To start, you’ll need to attach the flying line to the spool using a larkshead knot to keep it securely in place.
Next, thread the spool onto the controller and ensure it’s secure. In many cases a snap hook is used in the connection and some handles are designed so that the spool is held in place with small catches. If it’s not staying in place, make sure to use tape or a zip-tie to keep it in place.
Once the spool is in place, you’ll need to attach the handle and the winder. This is fairly straightforward – simply attach the handle to the controller and the winder to the handle. Make sure all connections are secure before proceeding and, if you’re using a plastic handle, be sure to use all of the provided screws. Never fly without the handle and make sure it is firmly secure before use.
- Attach the flying line to the spool with a larkshead knot
- Thread the spool onto the controller and make sure it’s secure
- Attach the handle to the controller
- Attach the winder to the handle
- Make sure all connections are secure!
Once it’s all connected with the handle, winder, and flying line, you’ll want to inspect all of the components of your handling system for any damage or wear and tear before use. Carefully inspect all knots, as they will be the weakest point of your system. If you repair any knots, make sure it’s done with the correct knot for that particular application.
7. Step 6: Preparing to Launch Your Kite
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Once you’ve completed all the previous steps, your craft is just about ready to fly. Carefully look over your work and make sure you’ve securely attached all the necessary pieces of the kite.
Below are a few more elements you should check before heading outdoors:
- Ensure the patching is securely attached
- Verify the bridle is attached to the kite’s spine
- Use a permanent marker to label each spool of string
Be sure to read through the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended conditions for flying your specific kite. Wind speed, gusts and other weather elements can vary greatly and it is always best to research each before heading outdoors. Once you’re in the right location, it’s time to launch!
| Wind speed |
Recommended kite size |
|---|---|
| 0-5 MPH | Small to medium diamond, sled, deltas, or light winds kites |
| 5-12 MPH | Medium to large box, delta•sleds, parafoils, and stunt kites |
| 12-30 MPH | Large delta•sleds, large parafoils, and power kites |
Q&A
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Q: What kind of materials do I need to make a kite?
A: To make a traditional kite you will need a large piece of lightweight fabric, two long sticks or dowels, string, scissors, glue, and a few other crafting supplies.
Q: What kind of adhesive should I use to put the kite together?
A: Hot glue is an easy and effective way to assemble the kite, but you can also use basic craft glue if you have it on hand.
Q: How do I affix the dowels to the kite fabric?
A: You will want to insert the dowels into the fabric and then use your adhesive to firmly secure them in place. Alternatively, you could choose to tie the fabric tightly around the dowels, though this may not be as secure.
Q: What kind of string should I use?
A: You should use twine to create the bridle and the tail of the kite. This type of string is strong and durable enough to withstand high winds.
Q: Where is the best place to fly a kite?
A: The ideal spot for kite-flying will have very little wind, as this will give you more control while in the air. Be sure to find an open area with plenty of space. Avoid any areas where power lines or trees may get in the way. Also, it’s important to check local laws before flying a kite in any public space.
That’s it! Now you have all the steps to make your own kite, so let your creativity and imagination soar. Who knows, maybe you can even design the world’s next best-selling kite! We’d love to hear how your kite making journey went, so drop us a line to let us know how you got on. Happy kite-making!