How are kites made?

Background. A kite is an unpowered, heavier-than-air flying device held to the earth by a line. The kite flies because wind resistance causes the air pressure under the kite to be greater than the air pressure above the kite, making the kite rise. read more

Homemade kites are usually made of wood and paper or cloth. Homemade para-wing kites are usually made of Mylar, a trade-name for thin sheets of a plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate. This material is extremely strong and very light. read more

Man-lifting kites were made for reconnaissance, entertainment and during development of the first practical aircraft, the biplane. Kites have a long and varied history and many different types are flown individually and at festivals worldwide. Kites may be flown for recreation, art or other practical uses. read more

Kites aren't made of a single piece of fabric. They're a smart puzzle which combines several secondary structures, panels, and fabrics interconnected by advanced seaming and stitching techniques. Contrary to popular belief, the main material used in the kite's canopy is not ripstop nylon. read more