Thrums can be added to a cap during the construction process or to the completed hat. There are multiple 17th century references to thrumming caps as a boring, time-wasting activity done by men. However, there are also shipping records showing large amounts of thrum caps being exported between countries, which seems unlikely for a home craft.
“Are we born to thrum caps or pick straws?”
“And let it nere be said for shame, that we the youths of London,
-Quarles’ Emblems, 1646
“He has won already. He stands not thrumming of caps thus.“
– The Wild Goose Chase, 1621
Lay thrumming of our Caps at home, and left our custome vndone.
Vp then, I say, both yong and old, both man and maide a Maying
With Drums and Guns that bounce alowd, & mery Taber playing.
Which to prolong, God saue our King, and send his Country peace
And roote out Treason from the Land…”
-The Knight of the Burning Pestle, 1607
