Make Raggedy Ann and Andy Clothespin Dolls

       Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls are still reoccurring themes in vintage crafts these days. Below are our interpretations. However, I have seen other versions on the web where these dolls are dressed with red checks, solids and gingham instead. Generally speaking, most Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls are dressed in some sort of red, white and blue combination, according to the decorative materials that are available to the crafter. 

Raggedy Ann and Andy clothespin dolls.

Supply List:

• two very large red pom-poms and two much smaller ones for the brother and sister rag doll hair styles
• One or two white chenille stem
• 3 or 4 cotton balls
• hot glue gun and hot glue
• white school glue
• small scraps of blue felt
• lace trim
• acrylic paints: red, white, blue and black
• scrap decorative papers for Andy's shirt (optional)
• wooden clothespins
• a nail or tack to bore holes in the wood for the doll arms

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the wooden heads of each clothespin doll white.
2. Paint from the neck of each doll down the length of the torso blue.
3. Paint horizontal stripes of red and white down the length of the legs on each doll.
4. Paint the feet black for the 'boots' of each wooden figure.
5. Decoupage a blue and white checkered shirt onto the Raggedy Andy doll as an option to the blue paint.
6. For Raggedy Ann, cut a small rectangular 'skirt' from felt and hot glue this onto her waist. 
7. Hot glue the large red pom-poms onto the top of the doll's heads for their wigs.
8. Bore a tiny hole into each wooden clothespin twice in the spot where their arms should be. 
9. Cover chenille stem arms with cotton batting to shape their stuffed looking limbs then glue these inside the wholes firmly. Let dry over night if necessary.
10. Paint the doll's facial features like those of the actual characters: red triangle noses, shoe button eyes and stitched smiles.
11. Glue a little candy heart onto their outside costumes. The actual dolls have this feature on the inside of their clothing...
12. Add lace trim to Raggedy Ann's skirt where she would have a apron ordinarily.
13. Glue on more details such as: Andy's bowtie, paper collar, red suspenders and additional pom-pom shaped piggy tails on top of Ann's wig.

More Links to Raggedy Ann and Her Friends:

• Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls
• How to Make a Raggedy Doll - a free 6" pattern
• Read Raggedy Ann Doll Stories and download coloring pages here