Hob

A hob is a type of small mythological household spirit found in the north and midlands of England, but especially on the Anglo-Scottish border, according to traditional folklore of those regions.

Myths & Legends
They could live inside the house or outdoors. They are said to work in farmyards and thus could be helpful, however if offended they could become nuisances.

A famous hob called the hobthrust lived near Runswick Bay in a hobhole, and was said to be able to cure whooping cough.

Variations
As well as the brownie, another cognate exists in the Scandinavian tomte/nisse; all of which are thought to be derived from the household gods of olden times, known in England as the cofgodas (Old English for "house-gods") of which the brownie and hob are a remnant of.

In Moldovan Romani folklore a correlate of the hob was the "Goblin". They also lived inside or outside, worked incredibly fast and hard and could make plants grow quickly. These abilities combined with their supernatural strength and speed made them invaluable to farmers lucky enough to be on their good side. There existed no folklore regarding a negative interaction with clothing except that these creatures considered the clothes of mankind to be inferior to their own.