About rugs: thrums

The thin 2-ply wool, known as "crewel" wool, though available in beautiful colours and of standardised thickness, is expensive and somewhat soft to withstand continual friction if used as the main material of a pile-rug surface. It is, however, useful for adding touches of special colours not otherwise available.

There is a less well known 4-ply "crewel" which would also be designated a "fine" wool.

The attractive and inexpensive "Brussels" thrums is very suitable for fine work. It differs from the other wools mentioned in the variety of the forms in which it may be supplied.

Some of it may come in simple lengths of 2- or 3-ply wool, varying considerably in thickness, but the majority is usually in the form of loose twists or "tails" of two or more thin strands, each of a 2-ply wool which is very similar to crewel wool in thickness and appearance, though more hairy and generally tougher.

The strands in these loose twists can be quickly and easily separated if desired and when separatee they will remain as thin straight lengths of 2-ply wool, free from kinks and easy to work with.