Plant fibre woven by some lassies (5)

I believe the answer is:

sisal

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'plant fibre' is the definition.
(I know that sisal is a type of plant fiber)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sisal that I've seen before include "Agave rope-fibre" , "Agave cultivated for its fibre" , "Fibre from agave plant" , "Plant fibre used for making rope" , "Rope-fibre made from leaves of tropical plant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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