Fingered the matted fabric (4)
I believe the answer is:
felt
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'fingered' is the first definition.
('feel' can be a synonym of 'finger')
'matted fabric' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'the' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for felt that I've seen before include "Fabric of matted wool fibres" , "Rather thought; a cloth" , "Material - perceived by touch" , "Baize-like cloth" , "Handled - material" .)