How to Make and Fly a Kite

How to Make and Fly a Kite

Materials:

• 1 sheet of A4 or newspaper or a light plastic bag
• 2 wooden skewers or thin sticks (one longer than the other)
• String or thread
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• A small piece of cloth or ribbon for the tail

Steps:

1. Make the Kite Frame:
   Take the two sticks. One should be about 60 cm long (vertical) and the other 45 cm (horizontal). Place the shorter stick across the longer one to form a cross (like a “T” or plus sign), about one-third from the top. Tie them together tightly with string where they cross.
2. Shape the Frame:
   Use string to connect the ends of the sticks, forming a diamond shape. Wrap the string tightly around each end and go all around the frame.
3. Add the Sail (the kite’s body):
   Lay the frame on the paper or plastic and cut it about 2 cm larger than the frame. Fold the edges over the string and tape or glue them down to keep the sail tight.
4. Attach the Tail:
   Tie a long piece of ribbon or cloth to the bottom of the kite. This helps keep it stable in the air.
5. Add the Flying String:
   Tie a long piece of string to the place where the sticks cross. This is the string you’ll use to fly the kite.
6. Decorate (Optional):
   Add colors, stickers, or drawings to your kite to make it fun and personal.

Tips for Flying:

• Choose a wide, open area with steady wind.
• Run a bit to get it airborne if the wind is light.
• Let out the string slowly once it's up.

Photo credit: PNW Production