Q&A for How to Make a Kite

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Question

Can I use newspaper to make a kite?

Community Answer

Yes. You can even use tissue paper or a plastic bag to make a kite. Keep in mind that the lighter the material you use is, the better the kite will fly.

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Question

What materials do I need for a traditional diamond kite?

Community Answer

Construction paper, string, pipe cleaners/sticks, scissors, colored pencils/markers (optional), tape (optional), and a ruler.

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Question

Are yard sticks too heavy to use as rods?

Community Answer

Yes. It will add unnecessary weight and the kite will not be aerodynamic.

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Question

Can I tape the two sticks together?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but make sure that the tape is strong enough and that you keep your sticks positioned correctly.

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Question

Can I use fabric for the traditional diamond kite?

Community Answer

No, it doesn't have enough wind resistance, and the wind passes through it.

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Question

Can I use plastic drinking straws instead of sticks?

Community Answer

Yes, but it needs to be strong and light also. Remember to seal the ends of the straw with tape.

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Question

Is it necessary for the kite to be stapled?

Community Answer

No; in fact, stapling would just add extra weight. Try using something lighter, such as tape or glue.

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Question

Can I use broomsticks as the supporter in the kite?

Community Answer

No, they will add unnecessary weight to the kite. Use something much lighter.

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Question

What materials do I need?

Community Answer

Some sticks or plastic poles that are quite light. Some string, tape, a saw if you are using wood, and some material for the actual kite part.

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Question

Can I use a thin square piece of cardboard to make a kite? What should I use for support?

Community Answer

Yes. It is light enough, but if you use cardboard try to make a bigger kite not a small one.

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Question

What can I use for supports?

Community Answer

Bamboo is good! It's strong, flexible, and light; it can also be split into thinner pieces. Softwood dowel (which can be found at DIY stores) is cheap, but anything bigger than 5 or 6mm will be too heavy. Fiberglass rods are light and flexible, but they are generally more expensive. Carbon-fiber rods are used in many kites too. They are strong, stiff, heavy, and expensive. (3mm would be suitable.) Different kite designs make use of the properties of various materials for spars.

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Question

What are the different materials I can use to make the tail?

Community Answer

You can use plastic bags or some sort of thin but light paper.

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Question

Can I use a bamboo stick?

Community Answer

No, they are thick. But if you want you can cut it into a thin strip with very sharp cutter.

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Question

Can I roll paper instead of using sticks?

Community Answer

No, paper will bend in the air and the kite will not fly. You will need to use sticks instead.

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Question

Can I use fishing line to make a kite?

Nicholas Figuereo

Community Answer

Only as the string to fly it. Otherwise, no, because of the strength of the material.

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Question

Is it better to use paper or a plastic bag?

Matthew Zheng

Community Answer

A nice, strong plastic bag will be great. Paper is heavier. The lighter, the better!

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Question

Can you use the pointer from a broom to make a kite?

Community Answer

No, it would be too heavy and weigh down the kite. Try something lighter.

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Question

Can I use branches as a supporter for the kite?

Community Answer

No. They're far too heavy, but you could use very thin and light twigs, or cut some twigs to size.

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Question

How can I make an Indian kite?

Community Answer

You should do it the same way as a diamond kite, but with card stock. Remember to make it strong as well as light.

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Question

How I get the dowels to make a kite?

Community Answer

Go to any craft shop or to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.

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Question

Can I use tissue paper to make a kite?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use anything that is light, such as newspaper, tissue paper, and construction paper.

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Question

Can I make kites in other shapes?

Hduef

Community Answer

Yes, but you need to research more about other shapes before you try to make them.

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Question

Can I use bamboo for a kite frame?

Community Answer

Yes, this is a really common choice for kites, especially in Asia.

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Question

If the strips of paper on the tail are used to create weight, then why should the kite be lightweight?

Community Answer

The strips of paper at the end of the kite are to put weight (not much because they are very light) on the end so that the kite is at an angle while flying in the air.

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Question

Can I use ribbons or tissue paper to make the tail for the kite instead of fabric?

Community Answer

Ribbons will work great! Tissue paper will likely tear, as it is not as strong as ribbon. Make sure to cut your tail long enough, especially if you are using something light such as tissue.

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Question

Is there such a thing as a kite that's too heavy?

Community Answer

Some of them can be heavy, but they are the bigger kites. You just need to make sure yours is balanced.

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Question

Can I use skewers for my rods?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as they are light and strong.

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Question

Can I make an A-shaped kite?

Community Answer

Yes, you could make an A-shaped kite.

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Question

What are the best sticks to use for a kite?

Community Answer

Wooden dowels that are light, and therefore do not add any unnecessary weight.

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Question

Can I use a thin tree branch as a stick for my kite?

Community Answer

Yes, just make sure it is the correct size. Also, if the sticks are too big, the kite wont fly.

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