Crossword Genius

Small offence, tearing end off curtain fabric (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scrim

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'curtain fabric' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'small offence tearing end' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'small' could be 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size) and 's' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'crim' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'off' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scrim that I've seen before include "material" , "Open-weave muslin fabric" , "A loosely-woven cotton fabric" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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