How to Build Kites

Three Simple Kites for Adults or Big Kids!

If you want to know how to build kites, you are at the right place. These three super-simple kites are quick and easy, yet fly really well.

 

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Click on the three pictures below to see building instructions.

The materials and tools for making these kites are very easy to find and cheap to buy. In fact, you'll probably find most of them around the house somewhere.

If you're curious, I've also put together a page on the reasons why it's a good idea to make your own kite.

Chances are, you've already checked out how to build kites using the Simple Diamond instructions up there. However, is the methodical step-by-step approach your style? Instead, you might enjoy a basic kite-making discussion that gives free rein to your creativity and craft skills!

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How to Build Kites to Suit YOU

Here are the strong points of these kite designs:

The diamond kite is super reliable in flight, even if you don't make it perfectly. The long tail keeps it pointing into the wind, even when the wind is fairly fresh.

The delta kite will perform much better than the other two. In other words, it will spend a lot of time at a steep line angle. Sometimes it will go right over your head if it encounters any rising air on a warm day!

The sled kite is the most convenient to take anywhere. The kite simply rolls up, takes very little space, and is unlikely to be damaged in transit.

Here are the weak points of these kite designs:

The diamond flies at a modest line angle most of the time. And that long tail can get caught in things if you aren't careful.

The delta won't tolerate strong or even fresh winds. Too much wind will cause it to become unstable, and even break in extreme cases.

The sled doesn't like the rough air near ground level. Unless you fly it at a beach, you might find it needs to get well above tree height before it really starts behaving itself and flying reliably.

But these are minor problems! After learning how to build kites from the instructions here and getting a little flying practice, you'll soon learn to cope one way or another. I've just mentioned the pros and cons here to give you a better idea of which design might suit your circumstances best.

Dacron, in 20- or 30-pound strength, is ideal for flying these kites. Otherwise, cheap knitting yarn should have sufficient strength for flying in reasonably light winds—say, up to 15 kph. I did a pull test on a length of acrylic knitting yarn, and it appeared to have at least the strength of a 20-pound line. It's a bit thick for flying really long lengths, but it's readily available in the shops!

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Flying Tips

All these kites are designed for fairly light to moderate winds. So, assuming there is a reasonable breeze blowing outside, head out with kite and flying line attached.

If you can hear a little leaf noise in the trees, that should be fine. Stand with your back to the wind, and have a helper hold up the kite some distance away—say, 15 meters (50 feet). When they let go, the kite should climb away to above treetop height—unless the trees are huge in your area!

If your kite refuses to fly properly, there could be too much wind. Or a dowel or two might be very uneven in stiffness along its length. If a much longer tail doesn't solve the problem, just try making the whole kite again. Chances are, the new one will fly much better.

If you can hardly feel the breeze against your face, it's likely there is simply not enough wind to fly! Just wait for better weather, or act like a kid and tow the thing into the air! Very often there will be more wind higher up, and you will be surprised to feel your kite pulling firmly on the line.

Now you can tell your friends you know how to build kites and fly them as well.

 

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