Window Patterns with Kite (2)

All these patterns have been created using a kite with angles of 45, 90, 112.5, 112.5 degrees.

This kite can be simply folded from A size paper and the resulting folded shape used as a template for cutting out other kites.

(or you can use the templates found by clicking here)

Series 1

4 pointed Star

First arrange 4 kites together to make a 4 pointed star.

Window patterns work well with thin coloured paper. Hold them in place with a sheet of acetate (non adhesive book covering paper works well). Rub with a nylon sock to generate static electricity which will hold the acetate to the window without paste.

Against the light

8 Pointed Star

Make two identical 4 pointed Stars and star and place on top of each other:

Pattern 2

Place 4 of the kites together with no overlap to create a simple 4 pointed star.

Make another identical star and place on top of the first.

Against the window:

Series 2

There are a whole range of patterns that are created by overlapping two kites so sides are aligned. Different patterns emerge depending on how much overlap there is. The two most dramatic are shown in Patterns 1 and 2.

Pattern 1 Complete overlap

The outline pattern looks like this

And the window pattern like this: an eight pointed star inside an eight pointed star.

Pattern 2

Overlapping the other way so sides just meet:

The outline star

The Window Pattern

But many other patterns can be created. Experiment with other forms of overlap.

For example

Overlapping so corner meet above base

Overlap a quarter of the base

Overlapping so that vertices meet sides

Special Overlap Star

Here is a different kind of overlap altogether where the corners overlap.

Decide on an amount of overlap and keep adjacent edges at right angles.

After making a pair use them as a template to help you position the rest.

Here is a another way to help position the kites. Create an isosceles right angle triangle that will fit in between star points and use this to position each new kite.

Multiple Patterns

If everyone in the class makes the same kite pattern then they can be combined on the classroom windows to make tilings and tessellations.

The simple 4 pointed star