Strange dearth of sewing material (6)

I believe the answer is:

thread

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'dearth of sewing material' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thread that I've seen before include "'Strand of cotton, silk etc (6)'" , "Ridge around a screw" , "Dearth of sewing material" , "Strand of, eg, cotton" , "Cord - Internet chat room discussion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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