Diamond kites are the most basic version of traditional kites and are easy to make.You can make a version with a string-supported frame and a paper body once you gather your materials.You can make a kite with a trash bag body.
Step 1: To make the desired length, cut two wooden dowels.
You can either use one piece and cut it in two, or you can use two separate pieces.A box cutter and a small hacksaw can be used.The ends should be as smooth as possible.This can be done over a trashcan to reduce the mess.The size of the kite you want to make will affect this length.One can be shorter than the other.One could be 32” and the other 24” for an example.The shape of your kite is up to you.
Step 2: The ends of the dowels should be marked.
A piece of kite string can be cut with a saw or knife.The string will fit in the notch just enough that it doesn't need to be very deep.Make sure the notch on each end of the dowel is the same direction.
Step 3: Make a cross out of the dowels.
The shorter one will be horizontal if you use two lengths.The horizontal dowel should be placed from the top of the vertical one.Make sure the horizontal and vertical dowels are pointing in the same direction.
Step 4: The dowels need to be tied together.
You will need about 30 cm of kite string.Circle the string around the crosses.Make sure the dowels stay at 90 degree angles as you tie the string.The string should be knotted around the cross section multiple times.
Step 5: The string should be wrapped around the bottom of the hole.
Wrap the kite string around five or six times.When you finish wrapping, make sure the string is close to the end of the dowel.Wrap the string around the frame before anchoring it to it.
Step 6: Wrap the string around the frame.
Make sure the string stays tight by stretching it from one notch to the next.Wrap the string around the notch and tie it off.When you fly the kite, the frame needs to be wrapped around to maintain its shape.It shows you how to cut the body out.
Step 7: Take a large sheet of paper and trace around the frame.
If the newspaper is large, it will work well for this.Any large craft paper will work if you can't find a newspaper large enough.Leave an extra inch around the string frame as you draw around it.It is not necessary to be careful about making straight lines because what you trace will be folded later.
Step 8: Remove the kite shape.
Cut the kite shape out by setting the frame to the side.You don't need the extra paper anymore.You don't want to cut the kite too small if you stay right on the line.Once you have cut it out, lay it flat on the table and put the frame on top of it.
Step 9: Attach the string to the paper with tape.
The frame needs to be centered on the kite body.Go around the kite one side at a time, folding the paper over the string.Put some tape around the corners first.You can put a few pieces of tape along the dowels to make sure they are in place.
Step 10: The cross section has a string around it.
Now that the kite is built, tie a string to it and fly it.It should be around 20 yards or so.Make sure that the kite is long enough to fly.
Step 11: A mark is needed for the top of the kite.
There is a trash bag on the table.The thicker the bag, the better for outdoor use.To mark below the top, use a soft tip marker along the left edge of the bag.The bag will become the center of the kite.The trash bag you use needs to be at least 100 cm long.Make sure the marker you use is visible in the trash bag.A silver marker is best for a black trash bag.
Step 12: There is a point for the side corners of the kite.
Measure 10 inches down the edge of the bag using a yardstick or tape measure.The bag should be somewhere in the middle of 20 inches (50 cm) across.There is a mark for the side corners.
Step 13: Place the bottom point on a piece of paper.
Measure 40 inches down on the edge of the bag from the top point.The three points should form a triangle on the bag, with the side corner mark being closer to the top mark.Make sure your points are proportional if you only have trash bags that are small.The bag's length and width should be the same if the side corner mark is less than half of the total length.The horizontal span can be measured at 25 cm and the length at 50 cm.A smaller kite is fine if the proportions match.
Step 14: Use a marker to connect the dots.
The top point should be connected to the side corner point and the bottom point with the help of a straight edge.You don't have to be perfect, but as close as possible.
Step 15: The shape should be cut out.
To cut straight, use sharp scissors or a box knife.If you are going to use a box knife, you should put a large piece of cardboard under the material.Cut the kite shape out and save the extra material.This will be used in the future.You can lay the diamond shape on the table after you cut the kite.
Step 16: Wooden or bamboo sticks can be cut to 40 inches.
The frame of the kite will be made of dowels.If you can purchase them cut to size, that is great, but if not, you will need to cut them down.You can use 14 inch dowels.You can use either a box cutter or a small hacksaw.It's a good idea to leave sawdust over the trashcan.If you wanted the body of the kite to be less than 40 inches in length, you need to cut the dowels.
Step 17: Tie the sticks at the intersection with a cross.
The horizontal stick is about 25 cm from the top of the vertical stick.Kite string is tied tightly around the intersection of the sticks.Attach the sticks with a few knots.As long as the sticks are secured together, it doesn't matter how you tie the string here.Glue or tape can be put over the string for added strength.
Step 18: Attach the frame to the kite's body.
The corners of the kite should have a small cut on them.Put the flaps over the pieces and tape them together.It's best to use duct tape, but make sure it holds the frame to the body securely.Once the corners are attached, you can use tape to secure the kite across the entire body.
Step 19: Attach the strip of plastic to the kite.
The kite's tail will help it stay in the wind.Longer strips can be tied onto the main tail for extra drag.You could use bright strips of cloth to add more color.
Step 20: Attach the frame of the kite with the remaining kite string.
There are 4 small holes in the plastic around the center of the cross.The kite string should be tied to the center cross section.Make sure the string is long enough for you to fly the kite.The wind will determine how high a kite can fly, but you will want at least 20 yards of string.