Who were the 'croppers' in the textile manufacturing process?

The 'croppers' were skilled workers in the textile manufacturing process, particularly during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Britain. Their primary role involved cutting and shaping the cloth, often using specialized tools to ensure that the fabric met the desired specifications and quality. Croppers were essential in the finishing stages of textile production, helping to create a smooth and even surface on various fabrics, particularly wool. This work was often labor-intensive and required significant expertise in handling the materials.