In making a shirt, it may need stitching (4)
I believe the answer is:
gash
'need stitching' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in making a shirt it' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'GASH' is hidden in the letters of 'making a shirt it'.
'may' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gash that I've seen before include "Deep open cut" , "Deep, jagged tear" , "What might need stitching" , "Gaping wound" , "injury" .)