Crossword Genius

Fabric might be most ghastly when covering Edward (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

worsted

'fabric' is the definition.
(worsted is a kind of fabric)

'most ghastly when covering edward' is the wordplay.
'most ghastly' becomes 'worst'.
'when covering' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'edward' becomes 'ed'.
'worst'+'ed'='WORSTED'

'might be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for worsted that I've seen before include "Woollen fabric" , "Wiped the floor with" , "Took to the cleaners" , "Fabric made from fine smooth wool yarn" , "Set word (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app