WEB BONUS: Do-It-Yourself Flotant Holder

Here is a simple and effective method for making a flotant holder for your fly vest.  You will need a 2-inch wide elastic strip and 3⁄4 inch wide nylon strapping; a 3⁄4 inch strap keeps everything small and light. These materials are available at many out-door or sewing retailers. The holder may be connected to the vest by a nylon hook or, as I prefer, a size #2 Nite Ize S-Biner clip. For a small holder, I use a 2 1⁄8 inch to 2 1⁄4 inch length of elastic strip, depending upon the desired tension. For a larger container, I use a 3 inch length of elastic strip. The length of the nylon strapping depends upon the height of the container. A small container requires about 4 inches of nylon strap. Lightly singe the ends of the nylon to seal them. Sew all the materials on a standard sewing machines. When sewing the elastic, make certain there is sufficient overlap for a strong bond. Sew the elastic “back and forth” as you create a straight sew line. It is important that you over-sew repeatedly and bar-tack at the corners for strength, especially at the corners of the elastic. Once the elastic is sewn on both edges, turn the holder inside out to conceal the sew line. Then fold the strap behind the holder and sew it down as a loop that will receive the connector. The net effect is a finished front with hidden sewn edges. This is an attractive and inexpensive way to create a range of holders for all your “dangles.” For size #2 S-Biner Clips contact Nite Ize, (303) 449-2576, niteize.com.    —Darrel Martin Read more – offline – from the current issue; subscribe to FRR.