5. Now divide the distances equally from the top of the upright to the 
ends of the cross piece and from the bottom of the upright to the ends of 
the cross piece. Be sure to have the distance between these points exactly 
the same on both sides of the kite. When you have these points adjusted 
fasten them to the outside string with another cord to keep from slipping. 
6. Now the frame is ready for the cover. Take a piece of colored cambric 
lining thirty-two inches square, lay it out on a table and place the frame on 
top. Cut the cover one inch larger all around than the frame. A tailless 
kite cover has to be put on loosely to allow for air pockets, so instead of 
stretching the cover tightly, just turn one-half inch of the edge over the 
outside string and sew it fast. This will leave plenty of looseness for bag¬ 
ging of the cover. 
BOX 
In a wind that is too strong for other kites a box kite will fly safely. 
These kites are hard pullers and should be fastened to a good strong 
kite line. 
It is also a good plan to have a reel to wind the kite line on, also a pair 
of gloves to keep the line from burning the hands when letting it out. 
It is great f un to send a paper parachute up the kite line on a bent pin. 
When it is a short distance from the kite it can be released by a quick jerk 
on the line. Sometimes it will sail for miles in a good breeze if it is released 
from a great height. 
A good parachute can be made from a tissue paper napkin with a thread 
twelve inches long tied to each corner and weighted on the end with a 
shingle nail. Put a bent pin in the center of the napkin and place it on the 
kite line. 
The breeze will carry it up the line towards the kite. It can be released 
at any time by a quick jerk at the kite line. 
Material Needed 
Lumber—Spruce, yellow pine, white pine or basswood. 
Pieces Finished Sizes—In. Use 
4 Uprights 
4 M'W'x21" Cross pieces 
Hardware, Etc. 
One-half inch brads. 
Strong twine. . , • n ■ i , 
Two pieces of cambric lining eleven inches wide, sixty-five inches long. 
Construction 
1. First make the four upright sticks and be very careful that they are 
7. On the back of the kite tie a strong piece of string to one end of the 
cross piece. Pull this string tightly until the cross piece is bowed out about 
three inches in the center and tie it fast to the other end. Place the small 
brace between this string and the cross piece for support. (See drawing.) 
8. The bridle is now attached to the bottom of the upright and just 
above the cross piece. The bridle must be long enough to reach the out¬ 
side end of the cross piece. This is the best point to fasten the kite line 
onto the bridle. If the kite does not fly successfully the first time, adjust 
the bridle or bow the cross piece a little more. It may take a few trial 
flights to get all the adjustments correct. Be sure to follow the drawing 
carefully. With the right materials and a little patience you will be suc¬ 
cessful. 
KITE 
all the same thickness, width and length. Make sticks exact size as given. 
2. Next make the cross pieces and follow the same method as used in 
making the uprights. These cross sticks must have a notch one-fourth inch 
by one-fourth inch cut in the center of each end for the upright pieces to 
fit in. (See detail.) 
3. Find the exact center of these cross pieces and put them together 
with a couple of half inch brads and lash the joint with string as shown. 
4. Cut a notch in each end of the four upright pieces for the top and 
bottom string. (See detail.) Put upright pieces in the notches on ends of 
cross braces and tie a string around the top and bottom edge of the up¬ 
rights. The cross braces are set inside the frame four inches from the ends 
of the uprights. 
5. Measure the distance around the frame, and cut the cloth one inch 
longer to allow for the seam when sewing the two ends together. The cloth 
is cut eleven inches wide to allow for a half inch hem on each edge. Make 
these two cloth bands small enough so the cross braces will fit tightly be¬ 
tween the uprights. This will allow the bands to be stretched around the 
frame, which is one of the important things about making a good box kite. 
It is a good idea to glue these bands to the edges of the four upright pieces. 
6. The bridle is attached to the top end of one of the upright pieces. 
This makes the kite fly diagonally in the air. If you attach the bridle to 
two of the uprights the kite will fly horizontally. 
This kite does not need a tail and if carefully made it is a sure flier. 
Before you put this kite up on a windy day be sure and test the kite line, 
as this kite is a strong puller, and may be lost or broken if the kite line 
gives way while it is in the air. 
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