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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    How I get the dowels to make a kite?
    Community Answer
    Go to any craft shop or to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    Can I use bamboo for a kite frame?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this is a really common choice for kites, especially in Asia.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    Can I use skewers for my rods?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as they are light and strong.
  • Question
    Can I make an A-shaped kite?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you could make an A-shaped kite.
  • 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.
  • 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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