Alter hems on watered fabric (7)
I believe the answer is:
armoire
'fabric' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'alter hems on watered' is the wordplay.
'alter hems on' becomes 'ar' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'watered' becomes 'moire' (synonyms).
'ar'+'moire'='ARMOIRE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for armoire that I've seen before include "item of furniture" , "Large wardrobe or cabinet" , "Cabinet originally used for storing weapons" , "Cupboard" , "Large wardrobe - more air (anag)" .)