Was aware the stuff wasn't woven (4)
I believe the answer is:
felt
'woven' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for felt that I've seen before include "Sensed; fibre cloth" , "compassion" , "Was affected by" , "Considered" , "Cloth of pressed wool and fur" .)