Easter Kite

Materials Needed

• 1 yard of 60-64" wide nylon
• string
• 2 - 1/4" wooden dowels
• thread
• fine tooth saw
• A quarter
• Optional - nylon fabric scrap for applique

Directions

Refer to Cutting diagram for measurements and cutting instructions. We used two yard sticks laid at right angles to each other to maintain the diamond shape.

The nylon fabric I purchased was 64" wide, and I was able to cut two out at one time. If yours is only 60" wide you will have to cut them out one at a time by reversing the direction for the second kite.

Press all edges under 1/2". Be careful not to use too hot an iron on the nylon. It will melt.

Measure in 1" from each corner. Use a quarter to cut a semi circle into each corner, by lining the quarter up with the one inch mark.

Holding a long tail on your string, insert string into folded under edge, starting at the bottom corner. Stitch down the Nylon, being sure not to stitch the string and leaving an exposed loop of string at each corner. I used a zig zag stitch to stitch down these edges and around the semi circled corners. Insert diagram

Fold Kite in half lengthwise and make a mark on the fold 7" from the top curved edge and 13" from the bottom curved edge, for the guide string to be inserted through. Refer to diagram B on the Cutting Diagram. Unfold the kites and using your sewing machine make and eyelet (round hole with stitched edges) or a very small button hole.

Leave a long tail of string when your stitching is complete for adjustments.

Cut one dowel to measure 30" and cut the other to measure 34 1/4" long. Make a perpendicular cut into the ends of each dowel, 1/4" deep.

Insert the 30" dowel into the cross area and the 34 1/4" dowel from top to bottom. If you are going to applique a design on your kite, make a small mark at where the dowels cross each other.

Optional Applique

Now's the time to be creative. Keep in mind that you want a balanced design in order to keep the kite balanced.

This project was my three year olds idea, when asked what she would like on her kite, she answered, "A big smile face". This was an easy design and balanced for flying purposes. These are the steps I followed:

• Trace a round pizza pan.
• Fold circle in half
• Position an "eye" and trace around a small drinking glass for the circle "eye"
• Fold folded fabric up to light and trace the other eye on the other side of the circle.
• Using a Dinner plate edge, create a smile. leaving the center of the smile wider then the ends, start at center of the mouth and draw over to the mouth corners. Refer to diagram C.
• Position center of circle at the mark for where the dowels crossed each other. Pin into place.
• Using a short stitch length, zig zag the circle on to the center of the kite being sure to keep it smooth as you stitch.
• Use the same zig zag stitch around the mouth and eyes that you drew.
• Carefully lift the top layer of fabric, in an eye, make a snip into the top layer of fabric. Carefully using a seam ripper or trimming scissors, cut away the inside of the eye.
• Repeat for both eyes and the mouth.

Finishing Assembly

Insert the dowels as instructed and snug the string to fit into the slots on the dowels. Knot well at the bottom of the kite. Be sure to refer to a great page of Kite knots if you need knotting help.We did wrap the string we were using around the dowel before knotting at the bottom. The heavy duty string we used was a polyester/nylon braid and wanted to slip and come lose. We solved the problem by carefully melting part of the knot to hold it in place.

Working from the front of the kite, insert a string into your top eyelet hole,around the dowel and back out to the front of the kite. use the other end of the string and repeat for the other eyelet. Secure well.

Use a Larks Head or Prusik knot to attach your flying string.

Kite Tail

We used 1" wide strips of scrap nylon fabric for our tail. This is an area we are still experimenting with, a snow storm stopped our progress. We did find wonderful directions for how to make a Fuzzy Tail. be sure to check out these directions. They are our next plan.

Tips and Tricks

On curved edges and raw edges, use the tip of a hot glue gun or a lighter to carefully melt the edge.
Design an Easter Egg to applique on an Easter kite.
Applique the Childs Name on the kite for a personal touch.