Threading the Kite

Design Resource

Kites

A kite is a cultural symbol

Threading the Kite

Flying on a kite is easy and pleasurable. One can quickly learn to maneuver it in the sky, but this is possible only if the threading of the kite is done correctly. This tying the thread to the kite is called “Kanne dalna“ in Hindi or “Kannalu kattadam” in Telugu. Usually, only plain cotton thread is used for this purpose and not the “manjha” (the glass-coated thread).

This next step is crucial before the kite can be airborne, as if this is not done correctly the kite may either not take off at all or will be uncontrollable during flight.

Usually, after the kite has been purchased the seller himself does this kite threading. But some kite enthusiasts also learn it and do it themselves.

The following images show the process of threading a kite correctly. A total of four holes are made in the kite to tie the thread – two at the upper end and two at the other end. These can be done using a needle or an agarbatti or a matchstick, basically using a sharp object. This needs to be done gently or there is the danger of tearing the fragile kite material.

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The threads at the other end of the kite are tied similarly with a double knot, as can be seen below and in the images 7, 7a. and 7b.

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One end of the coloured thread is tied to the top of the loop of thread as can be seen in the image below and in 16 and 16a

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Tips to follow while threading the kite
* Only plain cotton thread is to be used for this process.
* The entire threading should be done on the side where the sticks are not visible.
* The knots must be firmly tied so they do not unravel and tear the kite.
* The position of the knot that is tied in the middle of the loop of thread at the end of the process of threading the kite is very important, as this is what decides the balance and smoothness of the kite’s flight.
* If the kite is not flying smoothly even after many attempts, it is better to remove the knots and tie them again.

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