Thus, pretty fabric is a consolation (6)
I believe the answer is:
solace
'consolation' is the definition.
(I know that consolation can be written as solace)
'thus pretty fabric' is the wordplay.
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
'pretty fabric' becomes 'lace' (lace is a kind of fabric. I am not sure about the 'pretty' bit.).
'so'+'lace'='SOLACE'
'is a' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for solace that I've seen before include "Comfort at a time of sadness" , "console" , "Comfort in time of disappointment or sorrow" , "amusement" , "Comport" .)