Teazles

Teazles are mainly found in England, growing on damp edges of fields and waste ground. Once grown as a commercial crop, playing an important part in the woollen industry. In the early 1800's, the teazle heads would be fitted into wooden frames ready to comb the cloth. The teazles were the best way to remove snags and raise the nap without any damage to the cloth. As teenagers, my friends and I would also use them on old jumpers to brush them up and make them look like expensive 'bunny wool.' It actually worked well but took a bit of time, of which we had plenty in those days !