How to Sew Yarn Hair on a Raggedy Ann Doll

Raggedy Ann has been delighting children and adults alike since her introduction by her maker, Johnny Gruelle, in 1915. He wrote and illustrated stories about Raggedy Ann and received a patent for the doll, according to Raggedy-Ann-and-Andy-dolls.com. With her simple facial characteristics, black button eyes and charming mop of red yarn hair, Raggedy Ann's very presence exudes cheer and happiness. Sewing hair on a Raggedy Ann doll is a simple process requiring few skills but some patience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Red yarn
• Large steel or plastic needle with a large eye
• Ruler or tape measure
• Scissors

Single-Strand Method

1. Measure 3-inch pieces of red yarn and cut a pile according to how much yarn hair is needed. If you are repairing a Raggedy Ann doll, you will need less than if you are sewing a full head of hair onto the doll.

2. Choose the spot to begin. If you are sewing a new head of hair to a bald Raggedy Ann doll, begin in the back center, working out in a circular pattern. If you just need to fill in a patch, start at one side and work toward the other.

3. Thread the needle with a 3-inch strand of yarn.

4. Insert the needle into the fabric, coming out about 1/4-inch from that spot. Hold the yarn end that is closest to the needle's eye so it does not come out while going through the fabric.

5. Remove the needle and tie the 3-inch strand of yarn in a knot.

6. Continue adding 3-inch strands of yarn until the doll's head is covered with a thick mop of red yarn hair.

Alternate Method

7. Thread a very long strand of yarn through the needle. You may double the yarn for quicker progress, but this will make tugging the needle through the fabric harder.

8. Insert the needle into the fabric and create a 1/4-inch stitch. Pull until 2 inches of yarn is sticking out of the fabric.

9. Cut the yarn and tie it in a knot. Continue adding hair, rethreading the needle when the yarn runs out.

10. Trim the yarn hair to ensure an even presentation. Trim around the face so the doll's facial features are not obscured. The hair should be even around the crown and the back of the doll's head.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase red, pre-cut yarn intended for use in yarn rugs for convenience.
• Use care when using a larger steel needle as it is very sharp. Plastic needles may break, so have a spare. Plastic crochet needles work well, but the ends are not very sharp. They may tear fabric instead of making an even hole when the needle is inserted.

References

• Raggedy Ann and Andy
• The Raggedy Ann Museum