Crossword Genius

Joined by a thread from all quarters (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sewn

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'joined by a thread' is the definition.
(sewn with thread)

'all quarters' is the wordplay.
'all' becomes 'se' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'quarters' becomes 'wn'.
'se'+'wn'='SEWN'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sewn that I've seen before include "Needled" , "joined together" , "Run up" , "done with a needle" , "Fastened with needlework" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and the Financial Times.
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