With the arrival of the National Holidays In Chile, there is no better way to have fun than by participating in traditional games, and one of the most emblematic is flying kites. Making your own kite may seem simple, but there is an art behind it that requires patience and technique. With just four essential elements, you can create a kite that will not only be fun to fly, but will also connect you with Chilean traditions.
What do you need to make a kite?
To make your kiteyou only need four materials: kite paper of your favorite color, glue (can be cold glue or liquid silicone), two colihue or bamboo sticks, and the classic kite thread or cord. These elements are easy to get and, with a little creativity, you can customize the design so that it stands out in the sky during the Fiestas Patrias.
How to start building the kite?
The first step is to cut the paper kite square shape. The traditional size is 40×40 cm, but you can adjust it to your liking. Once you have the paper ready, you should fold one centimetre inwards on each of the edges to reinforce the structure. Then, with the glue, place the first stick in the centre of the paper. It is important that the glue dries a little before fixing the stick, to ensure that it sticks well.
How to structure the kite?
Once the first stick is well fixed, you must place the second stick forming an arch. This stick should go from one corner to the other, about 10 cm high from the bottom edge. This will give it the characteristic shape and allow the kite remains stable in the air. Once in place, press the paper on the other side to make sure it is well stretched and wrinkle-free.
How to secure the thread?
Once the structure is ready, it is time to make the holes to pass the thread through. With a pencil, make two holes in the bottom of the kiteabout 10cm from the edge. Then, make another four holes at the top, two on each side of the arched stick, about 11cm apart from each other. Make sure the holes are well aligned, as this will help the kite to fly in a balanced manner.
How to adjust the thread for flying?
The next step is to thread the thread through the holes you made. The length of the thread should be at least three times the height of the kite. Thread the string through the holes on the left and right, tying tight knots in each so that it doesn’t come loose during flight. Then, tighten the string in the center to ensure that the kite stays balanced when in the air.
