Nap Time Crafts: Fabric Kite for Kids is my new favorite for a sunny day. I’d had it on my mind since the first warm breeze, and it didn’t disappoint. My little one loved every second, from picking out fabric to running wild in the park. The whole process is so easy. Most of this stuff is already hiding somewhere in your house. You’ll end up with something you actually want to bring outside and play with. These afternoons, when we make and do together, are the best. We made a bright kite in no time. Trust me, it isn’t hard—and you’ll love seeing it fly.
Gathering Your Kite-Making Supplies
First step: gather supplies. The less hunting, the happier your kid. Most of this was in my sewing bin and the garage, but I’ll lay out the must-haves right here.
What you need:
- Dowel rods: Two skinny ones, 0.5cm thick (I just used leftovers from another project).
- Fabric: A fat quarter or any light material. I let my daughter pick out something wild and colorful.
- Ribbon: Thin, about 3mm.
- Super glue: The strong kind works best.
- String: Needed for both the frame and for flying the kite.
- Kite reel: Grab one online if you want, but you could just use a stick.
- Felt scraps: Go wild with colors to make things extra cute.
Step 1: Building the Kite Frame
Now, let’s build the bones of the kite.
I grabbed two dowels and cut them down. The vertical one measured 21 inches. The horizontal piece was 15 inches.
To get them to fit together snug, I cut a notch in each: halfway down the short dowel and about two-thirds the way up the long one. You want them to kind of lock in.
A dab of super glue in each notch, then press them into a cross. Make sure they’re at a right angle, or your kite’ll wobble all over the place. Hold it, let it dry, and don’t rush. A straight frame means more stable flying.
Step 2: Stringing the Frame and Attaching the Fabric
Time for the outline and the all-important sail.
I snipped little grooves at each dowel tip. That helps the string stay put. I wrapped string around all four ends, forming a diamond shape. Tighten it up, tie a solid knot, and add a bit of glue to keep it from slipping.
Now, drop your fabric pretty side down. Place the frame on top. Fold the edges over the string and glue them. Go slow, work your way around, and clean up any messy bits. It sticks fast and you’re done before you know it. Way less fuss than sewing, with great results—Nap Time Crafts: Fabric Kite for Kids is supposed to be quick, right?
Step 3: Creating the Kite Tail
No kite’s complete without a tail.
Cut your ribbon long enough to stream behind. I stitched mine to the bottom, but glue works too. I made some tiny felt bows for ours (eight, to be exact). My daughter picked colors and even handed me scissors. We spaced them along the ribbon, stitching each one in place. It was fun and made for a pretty, wiggly tail.
Step 4: Getting Ready for Liftoff
Almost flying time.
I poked a small hole in the top and bottom of the main vertical dowel. Ran embroidery floss through both, tying it along the back. That’s where you’ll attach your reel or flying string—make sure it’s all knotted and won’t slip off. Tie it at the crosspoint. That’s the trick to keeping your kite steady in the wind.
And just like that, it was finished. My kid was bouncing, waiting to try it out.
Flying Our Homemade Kite
We packed up and hit the park as soon as it was dry. My daughter’s technique? Mostly run like mad and giggle while the kite bounced behind her. She hasn’t really figured out the “let go and wait for the wind” bit. But, wow, the laughs. Those bows trailed behind and looked adorable in motion.
Sometimes it did lift up and she cheered like she’d just won a race. We spent ages out there, getting rosy-cheeked and loving every minute.
Simple project, big feeling. Making a toy with your child and then playing together beats anything you could buy. Nap Time Crafts: Fabric Kite for Kids is top of my must-do list now.