Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

As Fathers’ Day is just around the corner, this is one project for all the family, no matter what their age or ability. With elements of measuring, design and painting, everyone can contribute to the construction, not to mention mastering the best flying technique!

We made our kites out of Lutradur 70gsm because it is very strong, yet still lightweight. It doesn’t rip, fray or need hemming, which makes it ideal for projects such as this.

Here’s what you will need –

1 square metre of Lutradur 70gms Measuring tape Transfer or Acrylic paints 2 metres x 6mm wooden dowelling Handsaw 6 metres of ribbon or tape Kite string Click here to view Kite Diagram

Here’s how –

1. First take the Lutradur 70 and lay it flat on the floor or a table. Carefully measure and mark a point 75cms from the bottom edge on the left and right side of the material. 2. Draw a line from the centre of the bottom edge to the 75cms marks and then draw a line from the centre of the top edge to the 75cms mark to create a diamond shape. 3. Carefully cut out the sail, saving the 4 triangular offcuts. 4. Now think of a design or pattern and decorate your sail. Maybe in your family’s favourite football team colours? We chose transfer paints to colour the Lutradur because they adhere well to the fabric and don’t run or fade, but you could use acrylic paints instead if preferred. 5. Next cut four triangular pieces from the saved offcuts large enough to form pockets at each corner of the sail to hold the spars. We used the sail as a pattern to cut these and sewed them on to the underside of the kite, although they could be stapled or taped if preferred. 6. Using the handsaw, cut two spars from the length of dowel to form the vertical and horizontal braces for the sail. Lay the dowel across the kite to mark the required lengths, ensuring a taut and snug fit when the spars are inserted into the pockets so that the sail stays nice and rigid. 7. For extra support, tie the spars together where they cross with tape or string. 8. Make a tail using ribbon or tape. (This needs to be at least 5 metres long for a kite of this size) and attach to the base of the kite. 9. Bows or ties can also be made from the offcuts and attached to the tail to give the kite extra balance and ensure it stays upright when being flown. 10. Attach a piece of string to the horizontal spar on either side of the centre and a third piece to the vertical spar and join them together to form a triangle. 11. Tie the main kite string to those on the kite. 12. Head off to the park! When not in use, the kites also make interesting room decorations, maybe for a child’s bedroom or conservatory wall or ceiling. The entire range of Lutradur is available from our online shop