How to Build a Box Kite

Want a kite that you can't buy at the kite store? Ready to go beyond the traditional diamond shaped kite and build a kite that's more impressive? Learn how to build a box kite. It'll take a bit more time and effort, but it flies beautifully and is known for its high lift. 

What You'll Need:

• 8 square wooden dowels, 5/16" in diameter, 4 at 36" long and 4 at 14" long
• Masking tape
• Kite string or twine
• Garbage bags (colored if possible)

How to Make It:

1. Arrange two of the short dowels in an "X" shape and wrap masking tape around the center to hold them in place. Repeat with the other two short dowels.
2. Attach a longer dowel on each of the four corners of one of the "X" shaped pieces, 6 inches from the end. Secure with masking tape. Attach the other "X" shaped piece on the other end, 6 inches from the top. Now you have your frame for the box kite.
3. From a garbage bag, cut two identical pieces 11" X 48" and attach to one end of the frame with masking tape. Make sure it's all the way to the edge of one dowel. Then wrap the bag around the frame once making sure it's taught, trim to fit and secure with tape. Then fold long pieces of tape over every edge of the plastic to prevent tearing during flight. Repeat at the other end of the frame.
4. Now, stand the frame on end. Attach a piece of string about 36" long at the top left corner of the kite. Attach the other end to the top left corner of the bottom plastic square. Find the middle of that piece of string and attach your kite string to it. You're ready to fly!