Making kites and flying them on a sunny and windy day is quite a fun activity. A standard kite can be made in just one night. Start by making the kite's outline, then measure and cut the sail according to the shape of the kite, and finally attach the thread and tail to make sure it flies well. You can also decorate the kite so it looks really pretty when it's in the air.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making the Skeleton
Step 1. Make the sign of the cross with a stick
Take a 50 cm long stick and place it on a 60 cm long stick so that it forms the sign of a cross. This is the skeleton of your kite.
If you want to make a larger kite, use a longer stick. Make sure the length of the horizontal stick is at least 10 cm shorter than the vertical stick
Step 2. Glue the two sticks together using thread or glue
Wrap the yarn at the cross between the two sticks 1-2 times. Then, tie it in a small knot and cut off the excess thread. You can also apply superglue to the intersection of the two sticks and press them down so they stick tightly and don't move.
Make sure the two sticks form a right angle at the point of intersection. The horizontal stick must be perpendicular to the vertical stick
Step 3. Make a horizontal notch 2.5-5 cm long at the end of each stick
Use scissors to make 1 notch on each end of the stick. The direction of this notch should be horizontal or along the width of the stick. Make it deep enough to fit the thread that will be used to attach the screen.
If you're using very thin sticks or string, poke holes into each end of the stick instead of making notches
Step 4. Stretch the threads on the frame
Tie the thread in the top notch of the frame, and wrap it 1-2 times. Then, pull the thread through the notch on the right of the frame, and wrap it around 1-2 times as well. Continue by stretching and wrapping the yarn down the bottom notch, then through the left end of the frame. Finally, wrap the yarn 1-2 times around the top end of the frame. Cut the remaining thread.
- Make sure the threads are tight but not too tight to prevent the sticks from bending or tilting.
- This thread helps maintain the shape of the skeleton as it flies through the air.
Part 2 of 3: Measuring and Cropping the Screen
Step 1. Use a 100 cm wide plastic, paper, or cloth bag as a screen
Large white trash bags are ideal because they are strong and easy to decorate. You can also use strong white contact paper or newsprint.
If you have to, you can also use cloth; However, make sure the cloth used is thick and strong so it doesn't tear easily
Step 2. Lay the skeleton on top of the screen
Spread the screen material on the floor. Then, place the outline in the center of the screen.
Step 3. Trace the outline of the outline with the help of a ruler
Position the ruler so that it touches the top and right ends of the outline. Draw a diagonal line using a pencil from the top end of the stick to the right end, and use a ruler as a guide so that the line doesn't bend. Repeat from the right end to the bottom end of the skeleton, then from the bottom end to the left end of the skeleton. Finish by drawing a diagonal line from the left end to the top end of the outline.
The standard sail has the shape of a kite, and the skeleton is in the center
Step 4. Cut the screen 10 cm larger than the drawn line
Cut out the shape of the kite using the scissors, and leave some of the screen outside of the drawn lines so that it can be easily wrapped into the frame.
You should now have a kite-shaped screen that fits snugly onto the frame
Part 3 of 3: Kite Stringing
Step 1. Fold the edges of the screen on the frame and glue it firmly with glue
Apply superglue along the frame and press the edges of the screen against it so that it sticks firmly. You can also use masking tape or electrical tape to attach the screen to the frame, and attach the edges to the inside of the screen.
Make sure the screen is firmly attached to the frame; don't let them fall off while airing
Step 2. Attach the kite thread
Use a thread that is at least 50 cm long to fly the kite. Make a small hole just above where the two sticks meet using scissors. The hole must be able to enter the kite thread. Pull one end of the thread through the hole and tie it tightly at the cross of the stick. Let the string hang freely while you finish the rest of the kite.
You can then thread the fly over so that it is longer based on your height and arm length. Sometimes, adding thread also helps the kite fly straighter
Step 3. Make a tail with 2 meters of thick thread
Attach the tail to the lower end of the frame, and tie a few knots before tying it tightly. Use thick yarn or strips of fabric as a tail.
Choose a thread or fabric color that matches the color of the screen so that it looks beautiful in the sky
Step 4. Attach the fabric or ribbon to the tail at 30 cm intervals
Use a 5-7.5 cm long sheet of cloth or ribbon. Tie the tail in a small knot so it can dangle from the thread. The cloth or ribbon will help keep the tail balanced and the kite flying straight.
Step 5. Decorate the kite with markers or colored paper
Once you've finished assembling your kite, let your creativity flow by writing inspirational words or famous quotes with markers. You can also color the kite with markers, or create interesting patterns like polka dots or stripes. Try pasting colored paper in the shape of a triangle, circle, or star on the screen.
You can also write your name on the kite so everyone knows who made it and you can see your name soar in the sky
Step 6. Try flying the kite in a place without trees or power lines
Look for areas near water such as lakes or oceans as the wind is usually good for flying a kite. Hold the kite string firmly and run towards the wind. Then, release the kite while running so that it is carried up by the wind. Use kite string to keep the kite in the air.
Tips
- There are several other types of kites that can be made once you are proficient at making standard kites, such as delta, shed and eddy forms. Try the shape of a kite that seems interesting to make.
- Used sheets can be easily torn into various lengths making them ideal for use as kite tails. The length of this fabric is easy to adjust, and can be interlocked for extension. Wrap it around the bottom end of the stick, between the threads, and tie. The sheets are perfect for strong winds.
