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How to Tie a Hexogonal Kite

The origin of the first kite is a matter of some debate. What is known is that kites have entertained people for many centuries and continue to be a source of enjoyment for children and enthusiasts of all ages. Basic kites such as the hexagonal kite are relatively simple to make. After creating the frame with sticks and twine, attach a tail and tie the hexagonal kite to a long piece of twine you can use to control its flight.

Things You'll Need

4, 48-inch bamboo or other light wooden sticks
9 wood screws
Screw gun or drill
Marker
Measuring tape
Packing tape
Twine
Scissors
Plastic or nylon sheet
Bedsheet or T-shirts

Instructions

- 1
  Insert one screw in each end of the four sticks with at least 1/8 inch of the screw post showing.
- 2
  Overlap the sticks and drill a screw into the center to connect all of the sticks together.
- 3
  Measure the distance from the tip of one of the sticks to the screw at the center of the configuration.
- 4
  Stretch out the twine and use the marker to mark the same measurement on the string. Repeat this process five more times until there are six equidistant lines on the string.
- 5
  Tie the end of the string to one of the screws at the end of one of the sticks.
- 6
  Open the configuration until the next end screw corresponds with the first mark on the twine. Tie the twine around the second end screw. Repeat this process until the twine and stick configuration form a hexagon with six equal sides. Cut the twine and set the ball aside.
- 7
  Lay out the plastic or nylon and set the twine and stick configuration on top.
- 8
  Cut the sheet into a hexagon shape using the twine and stick configuration as a guide. Leave roughly 2 inches of margin from the sides of the twine and stick configuration to the edges of the sheet.
- 9
  Fold each side of the sheet over the corresponding side of the twine and stick configuration. Secure the folded edges with strips of packing tape. Leave the ends of the screws exposed. This is the kite.
- 10
  Cut three lengths of twine approximately 1 inch longer than the distance from the end of one of the sticks to the center of the kite.
- 11
  Tie one end of each of the pieces of twine together in a knot.
- 12
  Tie the free end of one of the pieces of twine to the screw at the center of the kite. Tie the other two free ends to the screws at the ends of two adjacent sides. This forms a twine pyramid at the top of the kite.
- 13
  Cut two additional pieces of twine the same length as those used to tie the pyramid.
- 14
  Tie one end of each of the two pieces of twine together. Tie the free end of each piece to the two screws on the ends of two of the sticks opposite the twine pyramid formed earlier. This is considered the bottom of the kite.
- 15
  Cut the bedsheet or T-shirt into long strips. Attach the strip or multiple strips to the twine at the bottom of the pyramid with another piece of twine. This is the tail of the kite. The length of the tail depends on the materials used, strength of the wind and size of the kite. Some testing may be required to obtain the proper length for your particular kite.
- 16
  Tie the free end of the remaining ball of twine to the tip of the pyramid at the top of the kite for the control string.

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