The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word PINCUSHIONS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "aids for sewers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case aids for sewers = pincushions.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PINCUSHIONS mean?
PINCUSHIONS noun- A device, originally like a small, stuffed cushion, designed to have sewing pins and needles stuck into it to store them safely; some modern pincushions hold the objects magnetically.
- The names of various plants with flowers or other parts resembling a pincushion.
- A person who is pricked or stabbed multiple times with sharp objects; specifically, someone who receives regular hypodermic needle injections.
- To jab or stick repeatedly with one or more sharp objects, as with pins into a pincushion.
- To assume the shape of a pincushion; specifically, of the image on a computer display, television, etc., to exhibit pincushion distortion, where the sides curve inwards.