Crossword Genius

What it takes to make a sewer work well? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needlecraft

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'what it takes to' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a sewer work well?' is the wordplay.
'a sewer' becomes 'needle' (I've seen this before).
'work well?' becomes 'craft' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'needle'+'craft'='NEEDLECRAFT'

'make' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needlecraft that I've seen before include "Sewing, embroidery" , "Art of stitching" , "Skill in fixing sails, say" , "Talent shown by Little Dorrit" , "Art of sewing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app