purlJam

# Beginner Crochet Kite

A cheerful, flat diamond-shaped kite perfect for beginners! This simple toy features a classic kite silhouette with a decorative tail. Great for room decor or imaginative play.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 5" wide x 6" tall (12.7 x 15.2 cm), with 15" (38 cm) tail

## Materials

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn
- **Main Color (MC)**: 40 yards (bright blue, red, yellow, or color of choice)
- **Contrast Color (CC)**: 20 yards (white, yellow, or contrasting color for stripes/bows)

**Suggested Yarn**: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar worsted weight acrylic

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook

**Other Supplies**:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Small piece of cardboard for stability, embroidery floss for details
- Optional: Fiberfill stuffing (small amount for light dimension)

## Gauge
16 sts x 18 rows = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet
*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size*

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (single crochet 2 together)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sl st = slip stitch
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- [ ] = stitch count at end of row/round

## Notes
- Kite body is worked flat in rows from top point to center, then center to bottom point
- Turn at the end of each row
- Ch 1 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch
- For striped effect, change colors every 2 rows
- Optional: Work in continuous rounds instead of rows for seamless look

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## PATTERN

### Kite Body (Main Diamond)

**TOP SECTION (Top Point to Center)**

**Row 1**: With MC, ch 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook. [1]
Turn.

**Row 2**: Ch 1, inc in st. [2]
*Math check: 1 st × 2 = 2 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 3**: Ch 1, inc in each st across. [4]
*Math check: 2 sts × 2 = 4 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 4**: Ch 1, inc, 2 sc, inc. [6]
*Math check: 4 + 2 increases = 6 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 5**: Ch 1, inc, 4 sc, inc. [8]
*Math check: 6 + 2 increases = 8 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 6**: Ch 1, inc, 6 sc, inc. [10]
*Math check: 8 + 2 increases = 10 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 7**: Ch 1, inc, 8 sc, inc. [12]
*Math check: 10 + 2 increases = 12 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 8**: Ch 1, inc, 10 sc, inc. [14]
*Math check: 12 + 2 increases = 14 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 9**: Ch 1, inc, 12 sc, inc. [16]
*Math check: 14 + 2 increases = 16 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 10**: Ch 1, inc, 14 sc, inc. [18]
*Math check: 16 + 2 increases = 18 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 11**: Ch 1, inc, 16 sc, inc. [20]
*Math check: 18 + 2 increases = 20 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 12**: Ch 1, inc, 18 sc, inc. [22]
*Math check: 20 + 2 increases = 22 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 13**: Ch 1, inc, 20 sc, inc. [24]
*Math check: 22 + 2 increases = 24 sts ✓*
This is the widest point of the kite.
Turn.

**BOTTOM SECTION (Center to Bottom Point)**

**Row 14**: Ch 1, dec, 20 sc, dec. [22]
*Math check: 24 - 2 decreases = 22 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 15**: Ch 1, dec, 18 sc, dec. [20]
*Math check: 22 - 2 decreases = 20 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 16**: Ch 1, dec, 16 sc, dec. [18]
*Math check: 20 - 2 decreases = 18 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 17**: Ch 1, dec, 14 sc, dec. [16]
*Math check: 18 - 2 decreases = 16 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 18**: Ch 1, dec, 12 sc, dec. [14]
*Math check: 16 - 2 decreases = 14 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 19**: Ch 1, dec, 10 sc, dec. [12]
*Math check: 14 - 2 decreases = 12 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 20**: Ch 1, dec, 8 sc, dec. [10]
*Math check: 12 - 2 decreases = 10 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 21**: Ch 1, dec, 6 sc, dec. [8]
*Math check: 10 - 2 decreases = 8 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 22**: Ch 1, dec, 4 sc, dec. [6]
*Math check: 8 - 2 decreases = 6 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 23**: Ch 1, dec, 2 sc, dec. [4]
*Math check: 6 - 2 decreases = 4 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 24**: Ch 1, dec twice. [2]
*Math check: 4 - 2 decreases = 2 sts ✓*
Turn.

**Row 25**: Ch 1, dec. [1]
*Math check: 2 - 1 decrease = 1 st ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail for weaving in.

**EDGING (Optional but recommended)**

With right side facing, join MC or CC at top point.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, work sc evenly around entire kite body, working 3 sc in each of the 4 corner points for better shaping. Join with sl st to first sc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

---

### Kite Tail

**With CC, ch 45** (or desired length - approximately 15" / 38 cm).

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each ch across.

Fasten off, leaving a 10" tail for attaching to kite.

---

### Tail Bows (Make 3-4)

**Option 1: Small Triangles**

With CC, ch 8.

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. [7]
Turn.

**Row 2**: Ch 1, dec, 3 sc, dec. [5]
Turn.

**Row 3**: Ch 1, dec, sc, dec. [3]
Turn.

**Row 4**: Ch 1, dec, sc. [2]
Turn.

**Row 5**: Ch 1, dec. [1]

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail for attaching to tail.

**Option 2: Simple Bow Ties**

With CC, ch 10, sl st in first ch to form ring.

Ch 10, sl st in same ch as first ch to create second loop.

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail. Wrap tail around center of loops several times to cinch bow shape, then use for attaching to tail.

---

### Cross Supports (Optional Decoration)

**Vertical Line**:
With CC, ch 2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st down center of kite from top point to bottom point, working through both layers if desired.

**Horizontal Line**:
With CC, ch 2. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st across widest part of kite (Row 13).

Fasten off and weave in ends.

---

## Assembly

1. **Weave in all ends** on kite body except attachment tails.

2. **Attach tail**: Using the long tail from the kite tail chain, sew securely to the bottom point of the kite body. Reinforce with several stitches.

3. **Attach bows**: Space bows evenly along the tail (approximately 3-4" apart). Using the tails from each bow, tie or sew securely around the tail chain. Trim excess.

4. **Add cross supports** (optional): Following instructions above, or use separate pieces of CC yarn to embroider or surface crochet cross lines on kite body.

5. **Optional stuffing**: If you'd like a slightly dimensional kite, cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the diamond shape (slightly smaller than the kite body). Or, place a small amount of fiberfill behind the kite body and whipstitch a second diamond panel to the back for a plush version.

6. **Hanging loop** (optional): Attach a ch-20 loop at the top point for hanging as decoration.

---

## Variations

**Striped Kite**: Change colors every 2 rows while working the diamond body. Carry unused color up the side or cut and rejoin.

**Rainbow Kite**: Use a different color for every 3-4 rows, creating rainbow stripes.

**Longer Tail**: Chain 60-80 for a dramatic long tail. Add more bows for visual interest.

**Mini Kite Garland**: Make multiple small kites (work only to Row 10, then decrease) and string together for bunting.

**Embroidered Details**: Use embroidery floss to add decorative swirls, stars, or your initial to the kite body.

---

## Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry. Steam gently if needed to reshape.

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## Troubleshooting

**Kite isn't symmetrical**: Count your stitches carefully at the end of each row. Each side should increase/decrease by 1 st per row.

**Edges are wavy**: You may be working too loosely. Try going down a hook size or tightening your tension.

**Tail curls**: This is normal with chain stitches. Block by pinning straight and lightly steaming, or work sl st back along chain for flatter tail.

**Corners aren't pointed**: Make sure you're working increases only at the ends of rows. The first and last stitches should be inc or dec as indicated.

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## Pattern Support

This pattern is designed for confident beginners familiar with basic crochet stitches. The kite body uses simple increases and decreases to create the diamond shape.

**Skill Level**: Beginner (Easy)

**Techniques Used**: Chain, single crochet, increase, decrease, working in rows

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*Happy Crocheting! Let your imagination soar with this cheerful kite design!*