Materials Required For Kite Making

Here are the essential Stuff needed for Kite Making

Anemometer
This is an instrument for measuring the speed of the wind

Designs, Kite Anchor
The appearance of a kite is improved by the use of effective design, which should be simple and bold and finished in deep colours.

Fringes, Tail Pieces, Buzzers, Climbing Discs, PennantsThese are simply strips of paper, folded and cut in the manner shown. Paste the bottom margin round the kite strings. The small V-shapes in the margin indicate where to cut slits, which will help when the fringes are formed in curves.

Kite Accessories
ReelIn this section there will be found instructions and illustrations for making a number of things which add to the enjoyment of kite flying.

Kite Making Methods
The simple butt joint is all that is generally needed in kite making.
Knots And HitchesThe difference between a knot and a hitch is that a knot makes a more lasting fastening. Again, a knot may be formed on the string itself, whereas a hitch usually requires some other object to which it can be attached.

Shield, Protecting CoversKites, when not in use, may be protected by storing them in large polythene bags, or bags made from sheets of strong brown paper, provided with string handles, by which they may be suspended from a wall.

Tools And Materials

This is concerned with the hows, whys and wherefores of the things which are used in kite making and flying. We begin with a few words about tools, of which the following are recommended.

Wind Funnels, Tasselshese may be fitted to plane-type kites. They are obviously decorative, but also serve to supply a light current of air to the kite on a calm day. The air travels through them at increased pressure which improves the kite's upward movement.


Windmill Or Whizzer, Lanterns
A novel touch is added when one of these is fixed to the top of a kite backbone. The windmill described is suitable for the larger kites; the measurements given may be adapted for smaller ones.

A Simpler Type Of Reel, Parachutes

Weather Vane, Compass

Make your own kite style

To each his / her own !

No 2 person are alike in taste and style, so is kite making preferences.

Although many different kites.Just do some experimental work.

Kites can be made in many shapes, and as long as the rules of balance, lightness and strength are kept in mind, they should fly well.

On this point J. G. Wood once wrote: 'The old theory used to be that a very slight deviation from accurate proportions in a kite must certainly prove fatal to its powers of flight; but of late years ... we have discovered that so long as certain rules of symmetry are observed, that is, so long as one side fairly balances the other, there is almost no conceivable shape that may not be made to mount up as a kite into the sky.'

Obviously then there is great opportunity for individual design; and this being so, it may be helpful to the would-be designer to have some guidance in how to begin and how to carry the project through.

Try it out - YOUR WAY!
Good luck! :)

Arrange Kite Club Actvities

Arrange Kite Club Actvities

A club is defined as 'a group of persons possessing common or similar interests or occupations, who unite as an organized society' (Universal English Dictionary). But one's ideas of those interests should not be too narrow.

Indeed, the aim of this book is to show kite-craft as a many-sided pastime. The focal point of attention, of course, is flying kites, but there are also opportunities for various activities within the framework of club life and organization.

In making the most of these opportunities a club provides for the special aptitudes of the individual member, and it becomes a means of creative self-expression. It follows from this then that a club, to be successful, must have a full and varied programme, which is carefully planned and carried through.

The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. It is a safeguard against the aimless, what-shall-we-do-next attitude which creeps in where there is no plan of action. And this is definitely not the way to progress.


Therefore a special meeting or meetings could be called for the specific purpose of discussing and planning a full and varied programme, covering a fixed period of say six or twelve months.

As the club became established the matter could be dealt with at the annual general meeting, which at least might decide what things should be done, and also appoint members to get them done. Suggestions for various activities are now given and for the sake of convenience are listed under separate headings.


Club Kite Making
This could take place during the winter months or at any time when flying was not possible. The work could be done to a plan with regard to the number, sizes and styles of the kites. Kites might be decorated with an emblem or a monogram - something simple, bold and finished in bright colours. For example, suppose the name was the Kingsford Kite Club. It could be called the 2-K Club, and a monogram - two K's intertwined - could be used as a distinguishing mark. The cost or part of the cost of all materials used by the members might be made a charge upon club funds. More will be said about the latter later.


Club Flights
These entail such matters as, first the choice of a site or base from which to fly the kites. Preliminary investigation would be needed in this respect, to find suitable and convenient places, which could be used in turn, and which could be marked on a base map, as described in.

Secondly, with regard to the actual flights, this may be said. Although it is recommended that these be planned in advance, and not carried out in a haphazard way, it is obvious that certain details such as cancellations or alterations of places, days and times would be attended to on a week by week basis. Thirdly, at the start of a club's life, practice sessions would have an important place. By means of them, members could gain skill in handling different kites in varying weather conditions. And further, rehearsals could be held for the competitions which are suggested later in the chapter.

Exhibitions
It might seem at first that this is too ambitious a project where there are only a few members. In reply it must be said that enthusiasm is always more important than mere numbers. By planning well in advance it is often surprising how much the enthusiastic few can achieve. In an exhibition, members' work, for example, may be shown. The many sizes and styles which are available in this book provide a means for staging a varied and interesting display. Another feature might be on the theme of kites through the ages .

This could be executed by means of posters briefly relating some of the interesting facts and figures which belong to the theme. Besides this, a large diagram might be drawn to illustrate how kites fly. Chapter 8 provides some useful information on this point. Another suggestion deals with the weather factor in kite flying.

The idea is to have on show large copies of the following: the Beaufort Scale, the list of main cloud types, a specimen weather map with explanatory notes on the symbols used, and perhaps a base map. This exhibit might also include a barometer, thermometer, compass and anemometer.

On the subject of exhibitions, a few general comments may be made. One is that on such an occasion refreshments could be provided and some form of entertainment given. In passing, these two, of course, might make a separate social evening.

Another point is that an exhibition might be an inter-club venture, or a means of co-operating with other clubs, such as model glider or aeroplane. Lastly, an exhibition, if it were carefully planned and carried out, would do much to increase knowledge of and interest in one of the oldest pastimes in the world.

Kite Club

Kite Club

Why not form a club? Something shared brings greater pleasure to all concerned. It is hoped that this section may serve to show the way in which to start a club, and also indicate its aims and activities. First and obviously, a club must have members.

This means talking the matter over with others who may be interested in the project. In some places, a suggestion to form a kite club would come as a new idea, and this could be an advantage. When two or three have been found who are willing to make a start, then a meeting could be arranged. The one who called the meeting (the convener) would act temporarily as the chairman. He should prepare beforehand an agenda, along the lines suggested.

Agenda
1.Put forward a resolution that a club be formed. If this were agreed, then appointments could be made.

2.Appointment of Officers.

(a) Club Leader. As well as conducting meetings, the leader would be in charge of the running of the club.

(b) Secretary. On appointment, the secretary would proceed to take notes of the meeting taking place. As well as recording and reading the minutes of meetings, he would attend to correspondence and the like.

(c) Treasurer. He would be responsible for club funds. (Additional Note. In time, if a club grew in numbers, then a small representative committee could be elected, when convenient.)

3.Club Room. The choice of somewhere to meet would obviously depend upon what places were available. It would be an advantage if a room or a hut could be found where a work bench, materials, and tools could be kept; and where business and other meetings could be held.

4.Rules. These should be written in the minute book. The following are examples.
(a) That membership subscriptions be paid, weekly or as the club decides.
(b) That every member is expected to attend a meeting, when it is called.
(c) That resolutions be passed by a majority vote; and that in a case where there is an equal number of members voting for and against a resolution, then the chairman gives the casting vote, to decide whether the resolution be accepted or rejected.
(d) That all matters which concern the club be brought to a meeting for action to be taken.
(e) That such rules agreed upon may be added to when necessary; that a rule may be revised if the club think fit.
(f) That an annual general meeting be held. An outline of such a meeting is given below.
(g) That appointments be made and held on a yearly basis.

5. Club Activities. Suggestions for these are given in section 4 of this chapter.

6. Any Other Business (A.O.B. for short). Matters not previously dealt with would come under this heading.

7. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting. The following items are offered for guidance at a further meeting: declare meeting open; read minutes of previous meeting, and sign them as a correct record; deal with any matters arising out of the minutes; deal with any further matters on the agenda, including a review of progress made, and any difficulties encountered; collect subscriptions; any other business; date and place of next meeting; declare the meeting closed.
Notes on Annual General Meeting.

At this meeting appointments for the ensuing year would be made; and reports on the past year would be given, such as: first, the treasurer's audited statement, to be received by the meeting as being correct; second, the secretary's, on the number of meetings held during the year, average attendance and any other matters of interest; third, the leader's - a brief review of the year's activities, plus a comment upon the present state of the club.

In addition to these reports, ideas and plans for the coming year could be suggested, discussed, and put to the vote.

Association of Kite Clubs
When a club has been formed in a new area, that club in turn should explore ways and means of starting another club. It will be realized that it takes time and experience for these things to work out. However, one may reasonably hope to see in due course, a local association being established.

In such an event, from the organization point of view, a president, secretary and treasurer would be needed, together with a number of representatives from each club. This body would be responsible for all inter-club activities. It is suggested that among other things, this committee could appoint a person to submit items of interest to the local press, and also could issue a magazine or bulletin.

An association committee might inquire into the possibilities of co-operating with other model and hobby clubs in the area, so that exchange visits could be arranged, joint exhibitions be held, and where possible, other joint activities be planned. There are great opportunities in kite-craft, if it be taken seriously, and dealt with enthusiastically.

Clous and Weather, Wind and Weather

Clouds and Weather

Clouds and Weather, Generally speaking, the higher the clouds, the better the weather is likely to be; the lower the clouds, the worse it is likely to be. In particular, three factors to be taken into account are: movement, change and colour. The following are examples of these. Small cirrus clouds - -  when they thicken and become lower, are a sign that rain is on the way.

Cirro-cumulus - 'mackerel sky' - heralds the approach of rain, and on occasions, of thunder.

Cumulus clouds, when they expand early in the day, are also a warning that rain will fall later.

Cumulonimbus becomes 'the thunder-cloud' when its top at the front becomes extended so that the whole cloud looks like an anvil. This may be accompanied by a sudden cool breeze, which travels in an opposite direction to that of the actual wind at the time. The cloud and the breeze are signs that a storm is about to break.

Clouds, however, are not only associated with rain and storm. They may also indicate fine weather. As an example there is the cirrus, previously mentioned, which now appears in a more promising role.

If it does not thicken and seems to be at a standstill or only moving slowly, in a region of high pressure, then it means fine weather. The 'fair weather cumulus' is another example. It does not grow bigger, has no marked upward bulges and moves slowly along. These are the clouds which are often to be seen on a warm summer day.

In the list and the examples given, colour is associated with changes in the weather. It ranges from the white of cirro-cumulus to the dark grey of nimbo-stratus. The association is shown in further instances of sky colours, the first of which occurs in the old saying:Red sky at night, shepherd's delightRed sky in the morning, shepherd's warning.

It has been estimated that this is true about three times out of five. The second illustration adds another colour to the range: yellow. A watery yellow sunset is a sign of coming rain; a bright yellow sunset is a token of an approaching high wind. Again, a golden ring round the moon is a warning that a storm is on the way.

In the last place, there is the rainbow. This multi-coloured arc appears opposite to the sun, and is formed by refraction and reflection of its light through falling raindrops. If the sun is in the east, and the rainbow is in the west and a west wind is blowing, then rain is moving towards the observer. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east and a west wind is blowing, then rain is moving away from the observer.

Clouds then are an index of weather changes; and so is the wind, which we now consider.
WindThe subject is of immediate interest to the kite flyer, for the wind is in turn both his friend and his foe. He cannot alter this fact, but he may gain some knowledge of these different moods which may stand him in good stead. Under this heading brief comment will be made upon each of the following items: first, wind and weather; second, estimating wind direction; and third, estimating wind speed.

Wind and Weather, As far as the British area is concerned, a general statement may be made: south-westerly winds are wet winds; north-easterly winds are dry winds. The south-westerly winds which have travelled hundreds of miles across the Atlantic have taken up a great amount of moisture on the way.

When they encounter the main highlands of the area, they are forced to rise and in so doing the greater part of the moisture is squeezed out as rain. On the other hand, north-easterly winds when they prevail for a time, are usually a sign of an anticyclone over the North Sea, or even farther north-east, and anticyclones are associated with spells of fine weather.

Be Weather Smart

Be Weather-Wise

The next suggestion for getting the most from kites is to focus one's attention on an important subject - the weather. The close connection between kite flying and the weather is apparent to the most casual observer. There are days when conditions are ideal; there are days when they are fairly good; there are days when they are bad. And there are times when the weather varies from hour to hour.

A day which seems to be promising at the start does not keep its promise; and one which might not look too good at first turns out to be better than was expected. Because of this changeable weather it is really necessary to have some understanding first, of the kite itself - particularly of making adjustments in different flying conditions; and second, of the weather, which is the immediate subject.

And let it be said that to understand the weather does not imply that one must be an expert in meteorology. All that is contemplated is a working knowledge that will help the kite flyer to get the most from his hobby. The aim in this section is to point out some of the ways and means whereby this knowledge may be gained.

One way is to study the clouds.


CloudsThe reader may often have noticed their changing pattern as they move along. This panorama is one of the wonders of nature - a fascinating scene wherein every cloud is subject to change, and no two are identical, and some combine in form. Yet, although there is this state of flux, clouds are classified and names given to them. True, it is not always easy for the amateur to place them in the groups to which they belong. But in due course, by sustained observation, he may be able to do this. A guide in such study will be found in the list of the ten main types of cloud, printed bel
ow, as given in the International Cloud Atlas.


Classification
1. CIRRUS, 'detached clouds of delicate appearance, fibrous structure, without true shadows, usually white in colour'.

2.CIRRO-CUMULUS, 'small rounded masses or white flakes without shadows, arranged in groups or lines, or sometimes in the form of ripples such as those formed on the seashore'.

3.CIRRO-STRATUS, 'thin veil of whitish cloud, sometimes entirely diffuse and giving the sky a milky appearance, sometimes showing a fibrous structure'.

4.ALTO-CUMULUS, 'rounded masses or discs, more or less large, arranged in groups, in lines or in rows, following one or two directions and sometimes so crowded together that their edges are joined'.

5.ALTO-STRATUS, 'a veil of a colour more or less grey.

6.STRATO-CUMULUS, iarge, lumpy masses or rolls of dull, grey cloud frequently covering the whole sky and sometimes giving it an undulating appearance'.

7.STRATUS, *a uniform layer of cloud, like fog in appearance but not lying on the ground*.

8.NIMBO-STRATUS, 'a low layer of structureless and rainy-looking cloud, sombre grey in colour'.

9.CUMULUS, 'thick cloud whose summit is dome-shaped and exhibits protuberances, while the base is nearly horizontal'.

10. CUMULO-NIMBUS, 'great masses of cloud rising in the form of mountainous towers of which the upper parts, of fibrous texture, sometimes spread out in the form of an anvil.Clouds occur at different heights, and this fact is indicated by the use of the prefixes, cirro and alto. Cirro denotes those which are between 25,000 and 35,000 feet up; and alto those between 10,000 and 25,000 feet up. The lower layer occurs mainly between 500 and 7,000 feet up.

Flying A Kite - 3

Flying A Kite - 3

It may be helpful at this point to provide a brief summary of the chapter so far.

A kite in flight is subject to the influence of four forces, namely: resistance; upward thrust; downward pull; and propulsion. Resistance is the opposition exerted by the air to an object moving through it.

Upward thrust is the part of this resistance which is converted into a lifting force.

Downward pull is due to the weight of the kite, which, because of its weight, is attracted to the earth. Downward pull is said to be concentrated at that point in a body which is called the centre of gravity.

Propulsion is the force exerted by the kite line, which acts as a motor to the kite. These forces act in opposition in the horizontal and the vertical direction: resistance and propulsion in the horizontal, and downward pull and upward thrust in the vertical.

In order for these forces to act in such a way that makes flight possible, they must pass in continuous lines through the centre of gravity. If they do not, then the kite is unstable in flight, because the forces are being exerted at different points. The forces must be expended in opposite directions and along continuous lines.


In order to meet with this requirement the kite must present a correctly inclined surface to the wind. It must also be properly balanced. And because balance is so important it becomes the subject of further study. As has been said, balance is obtained by an even distribution of weight around the centre of gravity, or mass centre, as it is also termed.

As far as the practical application of this principle is concerned, the writer has found it helpful to adopt the following procedure. Take a kite with a main central strut or backbone. There is a point on this backbone where the kite will balance on the end of a rod. When the point has been located it may be marked with a pencil. It is the centre of gravity or mass centre.


So far it has been established that at this centre the kite balances on the end of a rod, because there is an even distribution of weight around the centre. The force of gravity is pulling equally on all sides. The kite is showing what is called longitudinal and lateral balance. The next thing to do is to find ways and means of keeping this two-way balance when the kite is in flight. The first thing to do in this search for balance is to think of a kite in flight.

The air, in meeting it and flowing around it, creates disturbances which tend to make the kite unsteady. For example, it may be liable to dip backwards and forwards. The kite does not show longitudinal balance. In order to improve this balance, the kite line must be tied in the right position. A kite with the line fixed at the right point, generally slightly ahead of the centre of gravity, shows longitudinal stability, in other words, it keeps on an even keel.


There is another fault which will upset a kite in flight. Owing to the disturbances it encounters, it may tend to sway from side to side. It lacks lateral balance. The latter is improved by the use of effective dihedral. In an aeroplane, dihedral is the angle between the horizontal surface of a wing and the fuselage. As seen from the front, the wings form a shallow V-shape. In a kite, dihedral is secured by the bowing of the crossbar or bars.

In effect this means, that if the kite tips to one side, then the edge of that side which is forced down presses against the air underneath it. At the same time the edge of the other side which is forced up presses against the air above it.

This increases the pressure of air in both places, with the result that one side is lifted up and the other side is pushed down and so balance is restored. Again, lateral balance is improved in those cases where the bridle is fixed crossways on the kite.


The longitudinal and the lateral balance of a kite is illustrated in the action of a pair of scales. If an equal weight is placed on the scale pans, and one side is tipped down, the arm will return to a position of equipoise. The scales demonstrate stable equilibrium, which means the tendency of a body to return to a position of rest when moved or disturbed. There is another item which should be mentioned, and it is directional steadiness.

Without this a kite may tend to move erratically from its course. Such deviation is called yawing. Directional stability is improved by the use of a flexible tail, which acts like the rudder of a boat. The degree of perfection which is implied in the above requirements is not achieved by written instructions alone.

They are but the signposts pointing the way to a desirable goal. When all has been said which may profitably be said, it still remains for the kite flyer to strive towards the goal by constant practice. By a process of trial and error, eliminating faults one by one, sure progress is made towards the goal of successful kite flying. The latter will now be further considered under a separate heading.

Flying A Kite - 2

Flying A Kite - 2

Again, fly a kite in a strong wind. The kite will be eager to climb and to attain an overhead position.

This is due to the fact that the greater wind pressure and the stronger pull on the line have caused the kite to assume an angle at which it responds readily to the upward thrust. But if for some reason the kite is prevented from maintaining the correct angle, and it moves too far in the direction of the horizontal position, then it becomes unsteady in flight and unless the position can be rectified, the kite will respond to the downward pull, and this is the next force to be considered.

Downward pull is due to the weight of the kite, and weight is an important factor. A kite is heavier than air, and ways have to be found to overcome this disadvantage. Obviously, one thing to do is to make the kite as light as possible. A kite which is not made according to this rule is overloaded, and the effect of this will be the same as when an aeroplane is overloaded.
Nevertheless, even when a kite is as light as possible in relation to its size it is still subject to the influence of downward pull.

This pull is called the force of gravity. Everything falls to the ground if it is not held up by some means. It is the earth which attracts things. If there were no such attraction, then everything would be shot off into space by the force of the earth's rotation. Gravity then is force exerted by the earth, to which all bodies are subject; a force manifested in a downward pull.


At this point reference may be made to what is called the centre of gravity. This may be defined as the point where the downward pull is concentrated; or again, as that point in a body about which the whole weight is evenly balanced.

The centre of gravity may be found by the rules of geometry; or by experiment. As an example of the latter, a rod may be suspended by a string which is looped over a nail. If a weighted length of string is tied to the nail it will indicate the point where the centre of gravity is situated. This point comes where the string crosses the rod. It is here that the downward pull is concentrated; it is here that the whole weight is evenly balanced. But as far as kite flying is concerned, this is not the whole story.

The centre of gravity is not only the point where downward pull is concentrated; it is also the point where the lines of the other forces should meet or intersect - these forces being upward thrust, resistance and propulsion. If this is to be achieved, then the kite must be properly balanced. Should there be any mistake in this respect, then the kite will be unsteady in flight.
To correct this instability and to bring the forces into line, the operator may have to make a good many adjustments, such as lengthening or shortening the tail or moving the kite line. Successful kite flying is very much the outcome of such practices.

It has been explained, so far, that a kite in flight is subject to the influence of the forces of resistance, upward thrust and downward pull. To these a fourth must be added, which as yet has only been briefly mentioned, and this is propulsion.

It might be wondered at first why this should be attributed to a kite, since it has no motor. A moment's reflection, however, will make it plain to the reader that propulsion is supplied by the operator and the kite line. The line, as it were, acts as a motor to the kite, or to put it in another way, transmits the power supplied by the operator to the kite.


Propulsion is effective according to the use which is made of the kite line. For example, suppose a kite is being flown in a light breeze. If the line is slack, the kite will tend to move backwards and downwards. To correct this the operator tightens the line and maybe runs forward. It is just as if a motor had been switched on.

The kite tends to move forwards and upwards, in response to the power exerted by the line. This power causes the kite to assume an effective angle whereby resistance is converted into upward thrust. This general statement, however, must be qualified by the following facts.

The more line there is released, the more resistance there is created. Again, the longer the line, the greater the weight the kite has to support. As a result, the kite may sag off downwind.

This movement backwards tends to affect the angle of incidence, so that upward thrust decreases. Thus it will be seen that the propulsion supplied by the line is influenced by the amount which is released.

Flying A Kite

Flying A Kite

In dealing with this subject, for the sake of clarity, some things which have already been dealt with will be mentioned again, and, if necessary, will receive further comment. First to be considered is the place from which the kite is flown.

There are certain do's and don't's which operate here. For example, avoid a spot where the kite might become entangled with trees or overhead wires, or where it might sail over a busy road. A good site is one where there is room to move about freely without causing annoyance to others. This applies particularly when several kites are being flown.

It is exasperating if the lines get mixed up. Kite flyers, like anglers, give one another sufficient room in which to enjoy their pastime.

Next, a word about weather conditions. It is the aim and intent of the enthusiast to fly his kite successfully under varying conditions. He regards them as a challenge to his skill. At the same time he is not so misguided as to see a challenge in a gale. He knows that because a kite is, after all, but a frail craft, there are limits to its capabilities. In this respect, common sense is a good guide.

The following are instances of different flying conditions.

On a warm calm day the air seems to be still. But this is only comparatively so. Although there is little movement in a horizontal direction, there is upward activity. This is due to rising currents of air, called thermic currents. They will be found, for example, above ploughed fields, moorland and where buildings are grouped together.

The familiar heat shimmer is an indication of this rising air. On the other hand, on such a day, there will be colder descending air where there is water, marsh or meadow.Then there comes a day when the wind is blowing.

There can be variation in its movement. For example, it may be a fitful wind. Again, and to the point here, it may meet an obstacle such as a hill, a cliff, or a building, in which case it is deflected upwards. The strength of the up-current will depend upon the force of the wind, and the size of the obstacle it meets.

Rising currents are a means whereby birds can soar, that is, fly without flapping their wings. Again, the glider pilot derives benefit from them. It follows, therefore, that, on occasions, they may prove to be helpful to the kite flyer.

We turn now from the weather to the kite. Before flying it, its size must be taken into account. Sometimes the enthusiast is tempted to build an outsize one.

Though it may be the object of interest and admiration, the owner might not have realized that in flying large kites both skill and strength are needed. Someone has said that a 6-ft. kite pulls like a cart-horse. It follows then that one half this size, in a fairly strong wind and when a considerable amount of line has been released, can exert a strong pull. For this reason, the size in this book is limited to 3 ft. 6 in. This is a convenient and manageable size range for the beginner. Later on, if desired, the reader may make larger sizes by increasing the measurements given. The next thing to do is to inspect the kite.

First, check the bridle and the line, to see that they are secure and that the line runs freely on the reel. Secondly, test the bracing and bowstrings to make sure that they are taut. The method of tying these,  under the heading 'Knots and Hitches', will ensure that they can be tightened, if necessary. Thirdly, inspect the cover to ascertain whether it is secure and in good condition. This is very important in the case of a paper cover, as it can easily get damaged.

The method of flying the kite is as follows. A length of line is released. A friend holds the kite, or if no help is at hand, it is laid on the ground. The operator then runs forward against the wind. The length of the run and the speed required depend upon the force of the wind. The kite will gradually rise at a shallow angle. The operator, still moving, releases more line, the kite meanwhile responding to upward thrust.

From then on it is largely a matter of movement on the part of the operator when called for, and of manipulating the line. Even on a fairly calm day the action of running causes a wind that will lift the kite, and this is aided by a gradual release of the line, and by choosing a place where there may be rising currents of air.

The height which a kite may reach is dependent very largely upon the amount of line which is released. If conditions be favourable, it will climb steadily until the weight of the line begins to be felt. It will rise all the time that the upward thrust is strong enough to overcome the downward pull, due to the weight of the kite and the line. The speed of the ascent is increased by a series of steady pulls on the line.

In bringing the kite down, allow it to describe a descending curve, meanwhile move towards it, and carefully wind in the line. The kite should not be pulled down by brute force. Care is particularly needed for the last few feet of descent. The kite will behave wildly if the line is wound in too fast.

Success in kite flying comes, as it comes in other activities, by acquiring skill through practice. Theory may be good, but, for example, it is only when the pilot or the driver takes over that he gets the necessary 'feel' of his machine; it is only by handling his machine that he discovers what he and it can do in a given situation. So it is with kite flying.

And let it be said that it is in this very fact that much of the interest of kite flying is found. If a kite were as mechanical in its movements as a clockwork train on a circular track, then the interest would be lost. It is the spontaneous response of a kite to variable weather conditions which sustains interest. The operator is in control, and finds much pleasure in this fact. There is a certain analogy between kite flying and both gliding and sailing.

One person, as it were, becomes part of a craft which is very responsive to the elements and to his controlling hand. As far as kite styles are concerned, it may be said that today they mainly belong to two classes: the box and the flat type.

The box kite flies after the manner of an aeroplane, that is, at a small angle to the wind. Its shape helps to keep it from side-slipping, which means a sideways and downwards movement. The shape improves stability.

The box kite has a good lift, that is to say, it climbs well, and can be readily brought to a nearly overhead position. The flat-type kite flies at a larger angle to the wind, and in many cases balance is obtained by the use of a flexible tail.

It has a lively manner and is more suited than the box to aerial acrobatics. By skilful use of the line it will dive and dart about in the air in a most interesting way.

It will therefore be seen that the choice of a kite depends upon what one wishes to do with it. If the aim is to fly high, then the box type is the choice. If on the other hand, the idea is to carry out aerial manoeuvres, then the flat or plane kite, as it is also called, is the one to use.

Note 1. A Useful Hint.
For steadying a kite in flight, when other methods fail, tie a piece of thin material about the size of a man's handkerchief, to the end of the tail string. The author has found this to be very effective.

Note 2.Important.Readers are advised to make inquiries at their local police station as to whether there are any bye-laws or local regulations, governing kite flying, particularly regarding the height to which they may be flown.

Brief history about Kite Making

Man and Child Flying Kites

Brief history about Kite Making

When we turn to the purposes for which kites were used in those far-off days, much that is of interest may be noted. Ancient Chinese historians have recorded that they were employed to carry ropes across rivers and gorges.

The ropes were made fast, and wooden bridges suspended from them. It is said that a general of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 221) put the enemy to flight by flying musical kites over their camp at night. The enemy fled, because they believed that the music was the voices of their guardian angels, warning them of coming danger.

There is a tradition, too, that man-lifting kites were used in attacks on cities, and to drop men behind enemy lines. It is difficult to say when this strategy was first employed, so no date can be given. It is known, however, that the Chinese and the Japanese used man-lifting kites to survey the enemy's position as early as the seventeenth century A.D.



We now consider kite flying as a national pastime in China. By the early centuries A.D. kites were being made in a great variety of shapes, representing, for example, men, birds, animals and monsters. There were kites which carried lanterns, strings, pipes and small windmills. (In the latter perhaps there is the germ of an idea for an aircraft propeller.)


Again, some were adapted for the sport of kite-fighting. The upper parts of the control lines were coated with glue and ground glass. It was the aim of a competitor to cut his opponent's line and bring his kite down. Scenes which presented a variety of colour, form, and movement were displayed through the centuries.


One author, some years ago, described such a scene, wherein the sky would be full of all sorts of kites, which were being flown by old and young alike. A personal recollection of this fondness for kite flying may not be out of place here. Not so long ago, the writer saw two elderly Chinese, skilfully flying their kites in the grounds of a certain hospital, while other patients who were fit enough, were playing cricket, or otherwise passing the time. (An illustration of Chinese flying kites will be seen in Plate V.)


There is a tradition that kites were known in Ancient Greece and Rome. One should not be too dogmatic on this point. On the other hand, taking fourth century China as the starting point, one may confidently trace the spread of kite flying all over Asia and beyond, extending to such countries as New Zealand.

The Maoris are said to have fastened perforated reeds to their kites. It was believed that the sounds which they made would scare off evil spirits. Kite flying was established in Europe by the fifteenth century. It may well have been known for some time before this, possibly being introduced by voyagers to the east.

Marco Polo, the traveller from Venice, arrived in China at the close of the thirteenth century. He stayed there for seventeen years.

During this time he became a member of the Emperor's staff and moved freely about the country. When he returned to Venice with a valuable collection of things, people would not believe the stories he told.

One is tempted to think that a kite found a place among the things which he brought back. At any rate, as he talked of the people and places he had seen, it is possible that he did mention their fondness for kite flying. In the search for the origin of the kite in Europe, there must also be borne in mind the possibility that they were brought in as occasional novelties by traders with the east.

Home - How to make a kite

Do You Know How To Make A kite?

Why the subject on Kite Making in the first place?

Love to fly kite? Love to know how to make a kite?

What could there possibly be to write about how to make and fly kites? After all, making and flying a kite are quite simple operations! One has only to tie together two sticks at right angles, cover them with paper or cloth, and add a tail! Of course, one must not forget a long piece of string, called the kite line. Having done these things, one has only to throw the kite up into the air on a suitably windy day and away it flies! Or does it?

Not quite.

Here, then, is a hobby which provides pleasure, entertainment, and education all the year round. The long winter evenings present an opportunity for artistic minds and busy hands to make the kites which can be flown during the bright summer evenings and at many other times during the year. These are the main things, but, as we shall discover, they are accompanied by many other enjoyable activities. In particular, as one looks round in an attempt to forecast flying conditions, one is reminded of the wonder and the beauty of the world in which we live.
"My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky"
So wrote the poet, Wordsworth, and something of that same feeling will come over us as we see our kites—those kites which we have made with our own hands—flying so proudly in the sky above.