Has anyone made their own kite from scratch? I have a number of kites lying around, and to be honest, they don't look that hard to make. I'm thinking about trying to lay one out, study it carefully, try to reverse engineer it and make the prototype out of cotton (cheap). Then I could try and shrink it down from it's current 10m to an 8m (again in cotton). Then if that works, I would try to make it out of ripstop and hopefully I will have a $100 kite.

Is this a terrible idea?

Go for it, could take a while.

Cost more than $100, surely?!

There is a site with plans, trying to find the link on kiteforum...

www.surfplan.com.au/sp/

www.wingdesignsoftware.net/indexEN.htm

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=2379559

Good concept. Keep us updated though the journey.

We ran a course where 12 people made their own kite using printed plans, get fabric from sail maker, cut shapes, standard sewing machine, aftermarket bladders. If your making a 7m or 9m it's not hard and is fun, also very cheap. If you have good plans you can have a good kite. I was thinking of making 7m and 9m plans available online. Others have. The Russians who had no money, made the bladders from hospital incontinence covers and enema tubing. But hey, they made their own kite for a few hundred dollars and had an awesome time. That's what it's all about.

I'm thinking of making a sail out of old kite equipment. (Inflatable)

I should be able to plant it to an old land board and skoot down the beach.

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KiteDesigner said..
The Russians who had no money, made the bladders from hospital incontinence covers and enema tubing.

Gee youll get cauncy all fired up
with talk like that! Dongara hospital increase your security..

Making your own kite is a great idea! If I am not mistaken the original french guys started Wipika that way. They made their own kites and started the whole kite surfing concept. There was a picture somewhere of them making and designing their first kites with a plain old domestic sewing machine.

Alright, you've convinced me to go ahead with it!

I'm heading back home in 2 weeks, so I will take my kite home with me and get my mum to help (she's been quilting for the last 40 years).

If you got teleported back in time to somewhere around 1700 this is what you would have to do. Please post pics, immensely interested so how this goes.

I've made NASA wing kites before as they are very simple and do provide quite a lot of power for a single-skin kite. A 5m version is like having a 12m kite! Not ideal for kitesurfing unfortunately, but for landkiting or static flying, they are a lot of fun, especially if you want to try Street kiting with a longboard. And if you've got the dogh, try a Flysurfer Peak II in 9m or even 12m size. The power of those single-skins is incredible.

There's a guy I know (and I am currently doing this as well with an old North kite), who strips off the bladders entirely and just has leading edge bladder (like Greg's Cloud kites) but has to apply a lot of bridles, and he's converted old LEI kites into powerful single-skins as well.

Good post Dylan , reckon I'll be buying a base model sewing machine this winter. I've got enough salvaged ripstop material to build at least a couple of these . Thanks bfor posting, J

So, what kind of kite do you want to make? Surf? free ride? all rounder?
I may make a single 8m plans available

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KiteDesigner said..
So, what kind of kite do you want to make? Surf? free ride? all rounder?
I may make a single 8m plans available

One would be most interested in looking at such afore mentioned plans, with gratitude.

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dorothyinste said..

KiteDesigner said..
So, what kind of kite do you want to make? Surf? free ride? all rounder?
I may make a single 8m plans available

One would be most interested in looking at such afore mentioned plans, with gratitude.

What size?

2003 Kitemaking workshop photo gallery:photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOhMvkW1foyxQJ93nz_qVdY6_QhIs8RC1NRpfUFeaH7VTkL-PttyLjCxR77eqs1nQ?key=VGUwdzNkby1ELXB4Y2xhUlk5dE5CbkJpcGlac0xR

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KiteDesigner said..

dorothyinste said..

KiteDesigner said..
So, what kind of kite do you want to make? Surf? free ride? all rounder?
I may make a single 8m plans available

One would be most interested in looking at such afore mentioned plans, with gratitude.

What size?

Probably a small size to start. Four or five meters. Or the easiest to build...one assumes the smallest would be easiest.

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raw996 said..
Has anyone made their own kite from scratch? I have a number of kites lying around, and to be honest, they don't look that hard to make. I'm thinking about trying to lay one out, study it carefully, try to reverse engineer it and make the prototype out of cotton (cheap). Then I could try and shrink it down from it's current 10m to an 8m (again in cotton). Then if that works, I would try to make it out of ripstop and hopefully I will have a $100 kite.

Is this a terrible idea?

"they don't look that hard to make"
There is a lot more involved to making kites than you think.
Everything from precisely cutting individual fabric pieces - sewing them together in a particular sequence - The ability to sew accurately while manipulating the fabric around your sewing machine.
The process of sticking the individual ripstop and dacron pieces together before sewing - techniques to avoid needles sticking and different thread tensions depending on what and how many layers your sewing through. Specialised sewing threads and needle sizes. A sewing machine that can handle sewing through a number of layered fabrics with different stitch patterns.
This is all just scratching the surface in what it takes to build a kite.
If you want to go through a long learning process and get to enjoy making your kite without being frustrated then I wish you the best of luck.
But if you think it "won't be hard to make and only cost $100" your kidding yourself.

^
Did you actually bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)". ?

Just saying....

" with different stitch patterns." - ouch. I see only two, straight and a zig-zag...

Maybe this can help with understanding of making a kite. Here:

www.zeroprestige.org/sewakite.pdf

How's that?

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James said..
Good post Dylan , reckon I'll be buying a base model sewing machine this winter. I've got enough salvaged ripstop material to build at least a couple of these . Thanks bfor posting, J

James, not a base model. you'll need a side bobin and not a top loader one.

Also, a pure mechanical machine (metal parts and body), with a manual tension for feed dogs, needle going through 6 layers of ripstop or 3-4 dacron. 30yo machine is a good candidate. $100 max.

In general, a lot can be stripped off a DIY kite, speeding up sewing. The fabric canopy panels are almost all equal width, only on tips they vary. One does not need heaps of reinforcement, just a bare minimum.

No need for a software either. Replicate by hand whatever you like. Tracing the panels on a glass is not that hard...

As for the start, a strut less kite is a go. Or one strut.

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dbabicwa said..

James said..
Good post Dylan , reckon I'll be buying a base model sewing machine this winter. I've got enough salvaged ripstop material to build at least a couple of these . Thanks bfor posting, J

James, not a base model. you'll need a side bobin and not a top loader one.

Also, a pure mechanical machine (metal parts and body), with a manual tension for feed dogs, needle going through 6 layers of ripstop or 3-4 dacron. 30yo machine is a good candidate. $100 max.

In general, a lot can be stripped off a DIY kite, speeding up sewing. The fabric canopy panels are almost all equal width, only on tips they vary. One does not need heaps of reinforcement, just a bare minimum.

No need for a software either. Replicate by hand whatever you like. Tracing the panels on a glass is not that hard...

As for the start, a strut less kite is a go. Or one strut.

Thanks for the info, I'll get a secondhand one then when I'm ready , I need something to do during winter. It's too cold to enjoy kiting , for me at least

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dbabicwa said..
^
Did you actually bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)". ?

Just saying....

" with different stitch patterns." - ouch. I see only two, straight and a zig-zag...

Maybe this can help with understanding of making a kite. Here:

www.zeroprestige.org/sewakite.pdf

How's that?

I did - "bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)".
You've obviously got no idea - I'm sure his mother doesn't make her quilts out of ripstop.
When she starts sewing it she will understand what I mean.
"ouch" The stitch patterns involve the right sized needle along with the right marine grade thread
(different for the ripstop canopy and dacron LE ) with the right spacing between the stitches.
If not, you can easily tear the fabric when it is put under pressure.
I did wish raw996 the best of luck -
And was just trying to shed some light onto the fact that it's not as easy as he or she thinks.
"Hows That?"

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FlyByKite said..

dbabicwa said..
^
Did you actually bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)". ?

Just saying....

" with different stitch patterns." - ouch. I see only two, straight and a zig-zag...

Maybe this can help with understanding of making a kite. Here:

www.zeroprestige.org/sewakite.pdf

How's that?

I did - "bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)".
You've obviously got no idea - I'm sure his mother doesn't make her quilts out of ripstop.
When she starts sewing it she will understand what I mean.
"ouch" The stitch patterns involve the right sized needle along with the right marine grade thread
(different for the ripstop canopy and dacron LE ) with the right spacing between the stitches.
If not, you can easily tear the fabric when it is put under pressure.
I did wish raw996 the best of luck -
And was just trying to shed some light onto the fact that it's not as easy as he or she thinks.
"Hows That?"

I hate to say, you are over complicating and did not shed any light by saying it's not easy. If someone is doing 40 years of sewing he/she already has way more experience than you/me will ever have with all problems you described.

Fact: the lady who does my kites does neoprene sewing. And that is her business, wetsuits. She can do the ripstop in no time as well. The speed and accuracy is a top notch. Nothing can beat years of experience with a sewing machine.

Get that walking foot and do some ripstop, it's not that hard. You do not need a special 'right marine grade thread' for a decent results, H&B will do. Any polyester as well. It's silly not to take into account that even Ozone Edge V7 has a problem with a stitching, and they are selling heaps. So what. It can happen to everyone. You learn, and hopefully move on with improvements.

The cost is about $10 per lin. meter for a top quality ripstop from Germany (above links). For a small kite $100 is achievable without bladders/bridals cost. With ever rising cost it is worth every minute spent sewing it.

Kami already provided some links, a lot of useful info there. Maybe FBK can provide some as well?

Out

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dbabicwa said..

FlyByKite said..

dbabicwa said..
^
Did you actually bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)". ?

Just saying....

" with different stitch patterns." - ouch. I see only two, straight and a zig-zag...

Maybe this can help with understanding of making a kite. Here:

www.zeroprestige.org/sewakite.pdf

How's that?

I did - "bother to read this: "(she's been quilting for the last 40 years)".
You've obviously got no idea - I'm sure his mother doesn't make her quilts out of ripstop.
When she starts sewing it she will understand what I mean.
"ouch" The stitch patterns involve the right sized needle along with the right marine grade thread
(different for the ripstop canopy and dacron LE ) with the right spacing between the stitches.
If not, you can easily tear the fabric when it is put under pressure.
I did wish raw996 the best of luck -
And was just trying to shed some light onto the fact that it's not as easy as he or she thinks.
"Hows That?"

I hate to say, you are over complicating and did not shed any light by saying it's not easy. If someone is doing 40 years of sewing he/she already has way more experience than you/me will ever have with all problems you described.

Fact: the lady who does my kites does neoprene sewing. And that is her business, wetsuits. She can do the ripstop in no time as well. The speed and accuracy is a top notch. Nothing can beat years of experience with a sewing machine.

Get that walking foot and do some ripstop, it's not that hard. You do not need a special 'right marine grade thread' for a decent results, H&B will do. Any polyester as well. It's silly not to take into account that even Ozone Edge V7 has a problem with a stitching, and they are selling heaps. So what. It can happen to everyone. You learn, and hopefully move on with improvements.

The cost is about $10 per lin. meter for a top quality ripstop from Germany (above links). For a small kite $100 is achievable without bladders/bridals cost. With ever rising cost it is worth every minute spent sewing it.

Kami already provided some links, a lot of useful info there. Maybe FBK can provide some as well?

Out

"I hate to say, you are over complicating and did not shed any light by saying it's not easy."
I said it's not easy because raw996 said "they don't look that hard to make."

"If someone is doing 40 years of sewing he/she already has way more experience than you/me will ever have with all problems you described."
I made kites for a living and still do repairs, so I do have some experience sewing ripstop,dacron and webbing etc.
So don't tell me she has more experience than me sewing these materials - just because your lady has some.

"Get that walking foot and do some ripstop, it's not that hard. You do not need a special 'right marine grade thread' for a decent results, H&B will do."
I used a walking foot to sew kites every day for years - UV resistant marine grade polyester thread is all I would use when building a kite.You spend time building something you want it to last.

"You learn, and hopefully move on with improvements."
Exactly what I said - a long learning process.

"$100 is achievable without bladders/bridals cost"
He's talking about building a kite for $100 - I'd like to see you fly it without the above.
+ Dacron/double sided tape/thread/buffer webbing/pigtails/valves etc

"Kami already provided some links, a lot of useful info there. Maybe FBK can provide some as well? "
I am providing the info that I know through my experience in building kites.
Just because you don't agree with me does not mean it's not useful info.
What I have said will hopefully guide raw996 in choosing the right path to complete his project.

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Robbo2099 said..
2003 Kitemaking workshop photo gallery:photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOhMvkW1foyxQJ93nz_qVdY6_QhIs8RC1NRpfUFeaH7VTkL-PttyLjCxR77eqs1nQ?key=VGUwdzNkby1ELXB4Y2xhUlk5dE5CbkJpcGlac0xR

Haven't seen those photos in a while!
I remember lots of sweat and tears making those kites, (and I was just making a Nasa wing) I think I spent longer using the unstitching tool than the sewing machine.

Good luck to the OP, it's a worthwhile task but don't do it if you're just looking to save money.

Hi Trant, hope you're well, the lesson I learned from the above kite making was, dont make a 17m! make a 7m! so much easier! Or make a strutless kite.

I have made 3 Strutless kites, all worked great, and are a lot easier to make. Videos below.

I will get around to posting a 4m and 8m strutless pattern online with an optional donation if you use the plans. Not for commercial use.

The strutless kites I made work great and don't flap unless it's crazy windy or depowered fast turning. The also relaunch well using the Argo curved leading edge design.

10m Strutless


12m Strutless in 4 to 6 knots - black with a 21m Flysurfer. If the 21m flysurfer didn't fly, then the 12m didnt fly. 21m flysurfer had a little more power and upwind ability. 12m had more depower and could depower in the gusts and faster more fun turning.


12m Strutless orange

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KiteDesigner said..
Hi Trant, hope you're well, the lesson I learned from the above kite making was, dont make a 17m! make a 7m! so much easier! Or make a strutless kite.

I have made 3 Strutless kites, all worked great, and are a lot easier to make. Videos below.

Yes! Both options sound preferable! Yours and Robbo2099's kites were an exercise in willpower to complete.

Videos look great, those kites look very stable. Super impressed that the 12m looks so solid without struts.

$100 bucks for a kite, if your time is free! It's like using linux..

I get it, it's a hobby, some people go running and spend much more on clothing/joggers, at least you end up with a kite. But I predict a lot of trial and error and I'd hate this to be eating into my kiting time and also the safety aspect of having a kite that may fail at any time is a consideration. For a $100 kite I'm sure I'd go through more money than that in beer during the construction process . That said I'm curious and I wish I had the time to spend on making a kite and the trial and error associated!

Good luck!

My young fellah knocked this one up

I'm really interested in the kite building workshop!!

any info or dates if / when you do another one??