How to make a simple kite using a plastic bag

Step-by-step instructions

Overview: Schematic diagram

• Better symmetry = more stability

O

A

B

C D

T1

T2

AO = 1/4 of AB

OB = 3/4 of AB

1/2 of AO

1/2 of OB

1/2 of CD 1/

2 of CD

What you’ll need

• Two bamboo sticks

• Three pieces of wire tie (about 3 cm each)

• A plastic bag/sheet

• Sticky tape

• Scissors

• String

Time: about 15-20 minutes

Step 1: Secure two bamboo sticks with wire tie

• Refer to point O of the diagram (slide 2) where the sticks are to be joined

Step 2: Cut out a square plastic sheet big enough for the frame (the “sail”)

• “Bigger” better than “smaller”: you can always trim it to the exact size later

Step 3: Secure the frame of the kite to the sail with sticky tape

• You may need help from someone to hold the shape of the frame while you stick it to the plastic sheet

Step 4: Make two ‘eyelets’ on the kite using wire tie

• Refer to points T1 and T2 of the diagram (slide 2) for the position of the ‘eyelets’

eyelet

(Front) (Back)

Step 5: Tie one end of the string (the “bridle”) to the top ‘eyelet’ (T1) of the kite

• You may need to secure the knot with sticky tape

(Front)

Step 6: Measure out the length of the bridle from the top ‘eyelet’ (T1) to the bottom of the kite

• The length of the bridle is the length of point T1 to point B (refer to slide 2 for the position of the points)

length of bridle

Step 7: Tie the other end of the bridle to the bottom ‘eyelet’ (T2)

(Front)

Step 8: Make a ‘tail’ for the kite

• The length of the tail should be about the height of the kite

• Secure the tail to the bottom of the kite with sticky tape

• Be creative!

length of ‘tail’

paste ‘tail’ here

Step 9: Tie a flying line (about 8-10 metres) to the bridle

Point O

That’s it! Decorate your kite with drawings, stickers, etc. The kite should fly with just a breeze.

If it spins or wobbles, adjust the shape of the kite to make it symmetrical.