How to Repair Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls

Replace both eyes if one comes loose and you cannot find a matching eye. Use four-hole black buttons, the same size as the old eyes. Stitch them on with an "x" pattern by sewing diagonaly from one corner hole to the other.

Replace worn yarn hair on the back of the doll's heads with new yarn. The hair on raggedy dolls is sewn on with a fringe of yarn around the edges. The hair across the back of the head usually wears out first, and you begin to see the scalp underneath. Cut any loose or very thin yarn from the back of the head to the length of the fringe hair. This gets the broken strands out of the way and helps thicken the fringe.

Thread a needle with red thread and sew the end of a length of red yarn next to the edge of the bald region. Push the fringe hair back and sew the end of the yarn under the hair so that the fringe will hide the stitching.

Pull the yarn up the back of the doll's head, keeping the strand next to the remaining yarn hair. Thread another needle and use it to sew the yarn at the top of the head, under the back edge of the fringe of bangs. Pull the yarn back to the bottom and sew it down next to the first end. Continue pulling the yarn across the bald spot and sewing it at each end, keeping the stitches under the fringe. Keep the yarn as close together as possible to avoid the scalp showing through.

Cut the ends off the hands to remove any holes, shaping the cut edge into a rounded shape. Press the loose stuffing deeper into the arm. Tuck the cut edges of the fabric in 1/4 inch and slip stitch the folded edges together. You may have to remove some stuffing to do this. Pinch and shake the arm between your fingers to move the stuffing back to the tip of the hand.