How to Make a Kite Yourself
Spring is here, the weather is warm and windy, really a good time to fly kites. Whether it is taking for an outing, or a group picnic, flying a kite is a good choice for leisure and entertainment.
Today we will make a kite together. I know, it is not expensive to buy a kite directly, but the stereotyped assembly line kites always seem to lack a little charm. Moreover, the process of successfully making a kite itself is a process of cultivating the spirit.
There are many kinds of kites, among which the traditional diamond-shaped kite is the most popular. It is not only simple and easy to make, but also most in line with modern aesthetics. Paint it with your favorite color combination, it will be the most unique one.
Let's start making it. First, prepare the materials and tools:
1, Materials
Bamboo sticks or light wood strips or light plastic strips: used to make the frame of the kite, ensuring it is both strong and light.
Plastic bags, thin cloth or special kite paper: as the material for covering the surface of the kite, you need to choose a light and durable material.
Thin rope or kite line: used to fix the kite frame and fly it.
Tape or glue: used to fix and bond the surface of the kite to the frame.
Kite tail material: such as cloth strips or other light long strips of material to help the kite maintain balance.
Decoration materials: colored pencils, paints or stickers, used to beautify the kite.
2, Tools
Scissors: used to cut plastic bags, cloth or other covering materials.
Ruler: measure the size of the material to ensure the symmetrical shape of the kite.
Pencil or marker: mark the material for cutting and assembly.
Lighter or knife (optional): used to handle the end of the bamboo stick to avoid scratching the kite surface or the user. Needle or fine crochet hook (if you need to sew the fabric): Used to attach the covering material and the bobbin.
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Make the kite frame
Step 1: Prepare two bamboo sticks (or light wood or light plastic strips), one longer (about 60-80 cm) and the other shorter (about 50-70 cm), making sure the sticks are light and straight. If you are going to cut the bamboo sticks yourself, please use the right tool and wear protection gloves, because I accidently cut myself while doing it, sad…
Step 2: Sand the sticks with sandpaper to remove burrs and avoid scratches.
Step 3: Cross the two sticks in a "cross" shape, with the intersection located at the upper third of the longer stick.
Step 4: Tie the intersection with a string to ensure the frame is stable. You can use glue or tape to reinforce the tie.
Step 5: Slightly heat the ends of the sticks with a lighter to prevent cracking (optional).
2. Cut the covering material
Step 1: Lay the plastic bag, cloth or kite paper flat on the table.
Step 2: Use a ruler and pencil to draw a diamond outline on the material, about 2-3 cm larger than the frame (for wrapping the frame).
Step 3: Use scissors to cut out diamond-shaped covering material along the marked line.
3. Fix the covering material
Step 1: Lay the cut covering material flat on the table, place the frame on top of the material, and make sure the frame is aligned with the material.
Step 2: Fold the edges of the covering material inward to wrap around the bamboo skewer frame.
Step 3: Use tape or glue to fix the covering material to the frame, making sure the material is taut and wrinkle-free.
Step 4: Add additional reinforcement at the intersection of the frame to ensure that the covering material is secure.
4. Install the tail band
Step 1: Prepare a strip of cloth or plastic about 1-2 meters long as the tail band.
Step 2: Fix the tail band to the bottom of the kite (the end of the longer bamboo skewer) and tie it with tape or string.
Step 3: Make sure the tail band is of moderate length. If it is too long, it will affect the flight, and if it is too short, it will not be able to balance.
5. Tie the flying line
Step 1: Tie a fixed loop with string about 5 cm below the intersection of the frame.
Step 2: Tie one end of the kite line to the fixed ring and make sure it is tied tightly.
Step 3: Check the length of the kite line. The recommended initial length is about 20-30 meters, which can be adjusted later according to the wind.
6. Decorate the kite
Step 1: Use colored pens, paints or stickers to decorate the surface of the kite and design your favorite pattern.
Step 2: Make sure the decorative materials are light to avoid affecting the balance of the kite.
Test flight and adjustment:
Choose a venue: Test fly in an open area without trees and wires.
Test flight: Stand facing the wind and gently release the kite while slowly releasing the line.
Adjustment:
If the kite cannot take off, check the length of the tail band or whether the covering material is too heavy.
If the kite flies unsteadily, adjust the length of the tail band or check whether the frame is symmetrical.
Notes:
Make sure the frame is symmetrical to avoid tilting during flight.
The covering material should be tight to avoid looseness that affects flight.
Pay attention to safety when flying, and stay away from people and obstacles.
