Dragon Kite - intermediate

This awesome kite has a long tail just like a dragon and is traditionally flown to celebrate the Chinese New Year!

Materials

RSN, tyvek, heavy duty plastic garbage bag
cloth tape
bamboo stick - 48" long (window blind source)
magic markers
ruler (yardstick)
objects to make 2 circles i.e. pot lid
string
pencil
toothpick
hobby stick

Safety

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE PROJECTS ALONE.

Instructions

  1. Lay sail flat and draw a 16 inch diameter circle. Draw a 14 inch diameter circle circle on the inside.
  2. Cut out outer circle. Cut slits in edge of circle, 2" on center all the way around.
  3. Bend bamboo stick and form 14" circle. Tape overlapping ends.
  4. Locate bridle point on head and apply 2 layers of tape 1" long on location for reinforcement.
  5. Make 2 holes with a toothpick, 1/2" apart. Make larger with a pencil point for bridle string.
  6. Cut bridle string 16" long. Stick through holes from the front and tie. Make a fat knot on the other end.
  7. Place bamboo frame on head sail. Fold over tabs and tape down. Make sure sail is very tight when finished.
  8. Make tail 4 feet or longer x 1 foot wide. Place on back side of head, ensuring top of sail is fully on head. Tape in position.
  9. Make fly line. Cut 50 feet of string and attach to hobby stick.
  10. Make 4" loop on end of string, larks head knot to kite bundle.
  11. Launch instructions: Let out more than 30 feet of fly line and have helper hold and launch. "Good winds!"

Download plan in PDF format

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