Building a Rokkaku

Rokkakus are generally built by the ratio of height to width to the distance between the cross spars. Two ratios can be used: 6:5:4 or 5:4:3. To determine the dimensions of a kite, we need to decide the length of one unit.

For this project we will use set our one unit length to be 0.30 metres. This means that the kite will be 1.8 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide.

Step 1: Sewing the Sail

The first step is to construct the panels of the sail. If the fabric was wide enough, one could simply cut out a hexagon of the appropriate size and shape, and hem it. The number of panels depends on the pattern chosen for the graphic and the width of the fabric.

When cutting out fabric for the panels, add 1.5 cm to each side for seam allowance.

To sew two panels together, place the two panels right sides together and sew along the finished line. To finish the seam, open the panels out and roll both raw edges of the seam to one side. For the outside edge, fold along the finished line and roll under.

Step 2: All the Fittings

• Reinforcing patches for bridle lines. The bridle lines are placed one unit from the sides of the kite along the cross spars. So in our case, they will be 0.3 metres from the outer edge of the kite. The reinforcing patch does not need to be very big. I like to make mine diamond shaped, with the long diagonal running along the spar. (Say 5cm by 3cm.)
• Patches with loops to hold spars to sail. There will be three of these One is simply a loop of webbing sewn on top of a reinforcing patch in the center of the kite to hold the center spar to the sail. The other two are placed at the points where the cross spars intersect with the center spar (see figure below). The cross spar goes through the webbing loop. We also want to hold the center spar to the cross spar, so we will thread some line though the loop such that it goes under the cross spar. Use a darning needle or a sleeving needle to pierce the webbing and pull the line through. Leave enough line to tie around the center spar.

• Reinforcing patches on 4 corners with spar pockets and loops for bowing line.

• Reinforcing patches on top and bottom with spar pocket on the top and cap on the bottom.

Step 3: The Finishing Touches

How long should the bridle lines be? The easy way to bridle a rokkaku is to use two loops: one between the two bridle points on the top spar, and one between the two bridle points on the bottom spar. Then tie a line (3-5 feet long) between the two center points. Use a Prussik knot to attach a loop of line to the center line. Your flying line will be attached to the loop. The Prussik knot is a friction knot that will allow you to easily adjust the angle of attack of the kite.

All that remains are the bowing lines. Tie a length of line to each loop on the ends of the cross spar. On the end of one of the lines, attach a button. On the end of the other, tie a loop. Pull the loop over the button to bow the kite.

Step 4: Get Ready to Battle!

Happy flying.