Building a pair of fighter kites

This is a pair of fighter kites I build out of Philippe Gallot's book, Fighter Kites. These are based off an Indian Square, but with a bit wider span then length. These kites were made for my son and me, and were made totally out of scraps. Both sails were made out of 1/2 oz Icarex that I had left over.

number1.jpg      number2.jpg
 
      fabric_scraps Pile of scraps where it all started. Sorry picture did not come out good. But it is just a pile of scraps.
 
pieces The first step was to cut out all the pieces. Shown here laid out to check size. Note these are not cut to exact size since I am using an applique technique to build the kites.
 
testfit Testing the fitting to make sure everything will line up correctly.
 
meas_spine The spine was next measured and marked out.
 
meas_width Next the width was fixed and tacked.
 
panels Each panel was then sewn onto the side and top.
 
adding_center Next each side was cut straight down the spine and made even.
 
before_trim Now the center strips are sewn down. Also at this time the rest of the sail is sewn. This is done in an applique style for simplicity.
 
basic_halfs_done.jpg Next the panels are trimmed, and each half is made identical.
 
spine_sewn1 The spine is now sewn down the middle of the two pieces.
 
spine_sewn And checked against the pattern.
 
check_patterm Checking the full sail against the pattern.
 
sail_detail Close up of sail detail.
 
renforcments Sail re-enforcements cut out of 1.5oz Dacron.
 
leading_edge Re-enforcements sewn to the leading edge. These will hold the bow. They are sewn along the front, one side and part way up the other side. They provide a pocket that the bow can slip into.
 
tail_reenforcement Re-enforments are sewn on the tail and nose. One top of these will be sewn a small pocket of nylon webbing to hold the spine in place.
 
sail_reenforced Final picture with all sail re-enforcements, two pieces of 1.5 oz Dacron are sewn where bridal will attach to spine. This helps to prevent sail from tearing under stress.
 
finsihed_sail Lastly the sail is hemmed with a 1/4 inch rolled hem. This also locks down the re-enforcements.
 
back.jpg Next the spine and bow are cut. The bow wants to be pretty flexible. The spine should be gently tapered to be slightly wider at bottom then top. Also a slight bow should be steamed into the spine just in front of the bridal tie point. This curves the sail properly and improves stability.
 

Drop me an email if you wish to make something like this and have any questions, I will be glad to help as best I can.