Making a Basic Kite

Note that most of the small images are links to full size images, so just click on them. Ask an adult to help you when using a knife or saw. You'll need to cut a notch in the ends of both sticks. Mark the center of one of the sticks by measuring it. Now measure and mark a spot 8 inches from the end of the other stick.

Lay one stick across the other by placing the center spot on the first stick on the spot on the other stick that you measured 8 inches from the end. Use some wood glue to hold the sticks in place.

While the wood glue is still wet, add some extra support to the sticks by wrapping string tightly around the joint. It's best to let the sticks sit for a half hour or so to give the glue a chance to dry a bit.

Now it is time to put the framing string around the kite. You need to stretch the string through the notches you made in the ends of the sticks. This will form the outer edge of the kite. Be sure to pull the string tight and tie the ends of the string securely with a knot.

Next, you'll need to secure the framing string in place. Do this by taking some string and wrapping it around the notch on both sides of the framing string. If you like, you can also add a bit of glue to help hold it.

Now that the kite frame is complete, you need to make a pattern for the covering. Do this by laying the frame on top of the plastic. You can use chalk to trace around the outside of the frame, but you want to mark an inch outside the frame to allow for folding the edge and attaching the pattern to the frame. Use the scissors to carefully cut out the pattern.

Now it's time to attach your pattern to the kite frame. Fold the edges of the pattern over the string and fasten it with the masking tape. If you like, you can decorate the pattern with stickers or anything you like so long as it is not going to be adding much weight to the kite. If the kite gets too heavy it won't fly well.

Next, attach a piece of string to the notch in one end of the cross stick. What you want to do is bow the cross stick to about a 4 inch bow and then tie the string to the notch on the other end of the cross stick. You may want to have someone hold the cross stick in place while you tie the string. Be careful not to bow the stick too much so it breaks.

Get an adult to help you make a small hole where the two sticks cross. This will be used to attach the bridle string. Take a piece of string about five feet long and feed it through the hole. Tie the end of the string around both sticks. Tie the other end of the string to the notch at the bottom of the kite. Now all you need is to attach the flying string. Tie the flying string to the bridle about two feet from where the bridle string is tied to the cross piece. This kite doesn't need a tail, however you can attach one if you like.