In 1915, writer and artist Johnny Gruelle created Raggedy Ann after finding an old rag doll in his parents' attic. Named by combining two James Whitcomb Riley poems - "The Raggedy Man" and "Little Orphant Annie" - the doll was inspired by watching his daughter Marcella play with dolls.
The first Raggedy Ann book was published in 1918, followed by the introduction of her brother Raggedy Andy in 1920. The P.F. Volland Company began mass-producing the dolls, which quickly became beloved children's icons, appearing in books, films, and television shows.
Since 1940, crafters have been making their own versions using official patterns. The classic design - with red yarn hair, triangle nose, and simple embroidered features - remains unchanged. Today, Simplicity still offers patterns in multiple sizes for modern crafters.
Both dolls are now in the National Toy Hall of Fame (Ann in 2002, Andy in 2007), celebrating their legacy as symbols of American childhood creativity and imagination that continues to charm new generations.