Crossword Genius

Follow pattern in southeast and west? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sew

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

'follow pattern' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with creating things as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'southeast and west?' is the wordplay.
'southeast' becomes 'SE' (synonyms).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'west?' becomes 'W' ('W' can be a synonym of 'west').
'se'+'w'='SEW'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sew that I've seen before include "Fasten with needle and thread" , "Use a needle and thread" , "Make stitches" , "Do some needlework" , "Fasten with stitches" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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