Visit your local sewing store to find sewing patterns. If this is your first attempt at sewing beach wear, choose a pattern rated as easy.
Choose fabric with either a solid color or a pattern and with the appropriate stretch for your pattern. Look for any visible flaws in the pattern or the fabric. Also make sure that the fabric snaps back into place after you stretch it. This means it's a high-quality fabric.
Pick a lining fabric with the same stretchiness as the beach wear fabric you choose, preferably in a neutral color. The lining is important in children's swimwear because it makes the suit more comfortable by cushioning the seams.
Use chlorine-resistant elastic designed for swimwear. Cotton wrapped elastic is your best choice as it's the most popular and easiest to find. You need to get 3/8-inch wide elastic for the waist or legs, arm and neck holes and 1/4-inch wide elastic for the straps.
Follow the pattern closely when you cut out the swimsuit, using extra sharp scissors so you don't rip the fabric fibers.
Fit the beach wear onto your child as you go so that you can alter the pattern to adapt to her individual shape.
