ATV will show you how to build a traditional Japanese bowed kite that's simple to make and has great soaring ability.
ripstop nylon (R-S-N)
wood dowels 1/8” - 2 @ 16” - 1 @ 20”
tape (cloth) and double stick tape
string (packaging type)
hobby stick
toothpicks (4 pieces)
scissors
ruler (yardstick)
pencil/pen
magic markers (permanent type)
toothpicks (3 pieces)
REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE PROJECTS ALONE.
- Lay R-S-N flat and draw lines to cut sail – mark location for 4 bridle locations.
- Cut 2–16” dowels and 1–20“ dowel. Lay in position – 2 across corner to corner.
- Long dowel goes top to bottom. Tape all ends to sail wrapping tape around ends to opposite side of sail.
- Tie sticks together where they cross with two wraps of string. Make 4 tape tabs for bowstrings with tooth pick re-enforcements as illustrated. Place on each end of horizontal sticks. Wrap around opposite side of sail.
- Cut two pieces of string 5’ long. Make 2 tiny holes at 4 locations marked on sail previously. These bridle strings go side to side. Put each 5’ string through each hole, around stick and out front and tie.
- Cut 18” string and larks head to each bridle loop. Make adjustable bridle loop with string 8” long. Larks head to center loop just installed.
- Cut 2 pieces of bowstring 30” long. Tie one end to bridle tabs on one side. Put other end thru bridle tab hole on opposite end of same stick. This side gets a slipknot for adjusting the amount of bow.
- Do same procedure on other horizontal stick. Adjust bowing so bottom has slightly more bow than the top. Top bowstring must be approximately 1 1/2” from string to stick in center. Bottom @ 2 1/4” is good.
- Adjust bridle – hang kite by fly line – bottom must be slightly lower than top. Adjust for different wind speeds. This kite does not require tails but can be added if desired.
