Lay your plastic bag out on a flat surface and cut the sides and handles so it is one sheet of plastic. Measure out your kite into the plastic by drawing a diamond shape. Do not cut out your kite yet! The diamond shape can be made by measuring a lowercase ’t’ or cross on your plastic and using a straight edge to connect all of the points around the cross. The size is up to your plastic bag and your own preference.
The frame is key in holding the plastic open to keep your kite in the air. Measure the length and width of your diamond to find out the sizes of the frame pieces you’ll need. To make sure the cross is even: mark the shorter of the two frame pieces at its center (½ of its length) and the other, longer frame piece at 1/4th of its length. [2] X Research source Make a cross or ’t’ with the sticks so that the two marks are on top of each other. Don’t forget to double check that your frame and plastic match up.
The kite tail is essential for stability in the air and keeps your kite from nose-diving. Some kites have two tails of the same size which are then tied at their ends to create what looks like one large loop. This can look nice and gives the kite even more stability. Try out which kite tail you like best. For additional flare you can tape or tie accordion-folded tissue paper onto the plastic tail.
Lightweight nylon cord works best and is more durable than string or fishing line. [8] X Research source Drake, Jane and Ann Love, The Kids’ Summer Handbook, Ticknor & Fields/ Books for Young Readers, New York, 1994. pg 194 A stick from outside or even a popsicle stick will work just as well for your handle. [9] X Research source It is really up to you and what you feel comfortable holding.
Only let out about 3-4 feet of string until your kite is up in the air. You may need to run to get the kite going.
