[Winter] Let’s make them together! A roundup of handmade kites
During the long New Year’s holiday, many parents are probably thinking, “If we’ve got the time, why not get moving and play with the kids?” In that case, how about trying a traditional game! In this article, we’ve put together ideas for making homemade kites.
We introduce not only the classic kites beloved in Japan for generations, but also ones you can make with just a plastic bag or A4 paper, and even three-dimensional kites.
Watching a kite you made yourself soar freely across the sky is such a great feeling! It’s the perfect winter activity and a lucky, festive recreation.
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[Winter] Let's make it together! Handmade Kite Roundup (1–10)
Bermuda kite
The Bermudan kite made by combining bamboo is appealing because it lets you create a unique, original kite.
Start by assembling the bamboo strips at an even width to build the frame.
Once the frame is complete, string hemp twine across it.
The way you string the twine may change depending on the design you want for your kite.
Next, glue paper over the frame to match the shape formed by the twine.
It’s best to prepare paper that’s thin yet durable.
It’s also fun to change the colors and shapes to suit your taste.
Give it a try!
Flute Kite
Also known as whistle kites, Vietnam’s traditional flute kites are characterized by producing sound when they catch the wind.
Here, a slender framework is built first, then covered with plastic and finished with a kite line.
A notable feature is that they have no tail.
Despite their distinctive shape, they fly very well.
It seems that a flute is attached to the upper part of the main spar.
The tone changes depending on the type of flute used and the wind it receives.
Balancing the kite during construction can be tricky, but do give it a try!
Wow
Traditional Malaysian kites are called “Wau,” and they are also one of Malaysia’s national symbols.
There are various shapes, but the classic form is the bird-like “Wau Bulan.” This idea is also based on the Wau Bulan shape: after making a frame from thin, lightweight materials, white and blue kite paper is applied to create a beautiful finish.
Wau patterns often feature flowers, but it’s great to try your own design as well.
There’s also a theory that the name Wau comes from the sound the kite makes when it flies, so be sure to listen and see what kind of sound it produces.
[Winter] Let's Make Them Together! Handmade Kite Collection (11–20)
tetrahedral kite
A tetrahedral kite, made by combining multiple regular tetrahedra, can catch the wind and fly stably when assembled with overall balance in mind.
Start by cutting the bamboo, then assemble the frame with glue while adjusting the structure and balance.
Attach pieces cut from a plastic bag to two adjacent faces of the frame to create the kite’s wings.
The key is to glue the regular tetrahedra together so they form a single pyramid-like shape without distortion.
Finally, attach the kite string at the appropriate points, taking its placement into consideration, and you’re done.
Mini Love Kite
The Mini Love Kite has an adorably heart-shaped design, and it’s very easy to make because the construction is simple.
Use thin wire to build the frame.
The key is to make the heart section large.
Once the frame is complete, glue on white and pink plastic sheeting.
You can also use colors like light blue or yellow if you prefer—they might look cute too.
Finally, attach the kite string to finish.
Adjust the attachment point of the string while checking the balance so the kite will fly properly.
crow kite
Let’s make a crow kite—Karasu-dako—that soars across the clear New Year’s sky like a real bird.
All you need are a large black plastic bag, bamboo skewers, and some tape to hold everything together.
Spread the bag out and cut it to the specified dimensions.
When you unfold the folded sections, you’ll have a symmetrical crow shape.
Attach it to the bamboo skewers, and you’re done.
When you fly it, the wings flutter in the wind just like a real bird—it’s a lot of fun.
Give it a try with your kids over the New Year holidays!
Eight Kites
Let me introduce the unusual kite known as the “Yattsudako,” made up of eight rings! It’s a traditional kite with a long history handed down in the southern part of Hitachi City.
The frame of the Yattsudako is built by arranging circular ring ribs: two rings across the top, three beneath them, two more below, and finally a heart-shaped piece called the donbin at the very bottom.
Making the Yattsudako, with its complex structure, takes both time and effort.
It’s very durable and lasts a long time.
Thanks to its long history, it’s also highly regarded overseas.
Why not try making one for the New Year?
