Question

For a 5" thick mattress, the allowance for tucking in the sheet at each of the ends would be:

• A. 3"
• B. 2.5"
• C. 7"
• D. 10"

Hint:

A standard rule of thumb for flat bedsheets is to add at least 5 to 7 inches of tucking allowance to the combined length and thickness of the mattress.
This ensures the sheet remains securely in place during use.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bedsheet dimensions are calculated based on the dimensions of the mattress to ensure a proper fit.
The final length of a flat sheet is determined by the formula:
\[ \text{Sheet Length} = \text{Mattress Length} + 2 \times (\text{Mattress Thickness}) + 2 \times (\text{Tucking Allowance}) \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When making a bed, a flat sheet must cover the top of the mattress, wrap around the sides, and tuck securely underneath.
To calculate the necessary sheet size, we must consider the mattress thickness (depth) and the tucking allowance.
The tucking allowance is the extra fabric required to wrap under the mattress so the sheet stays in place.
For a standard 5" thick mattress:
- A minimum of 5" is needed simply to cover the vertical depth of the mattress at each end.
- To ensure the sheet stays tucked securely under the weight of the mattress, an additional 2" to 3" of fabric is recommended for the tuck-under.
- This results in a recommended tucking allowance of 7" at each of the ends.
If the allowance is too small (e.g., 2.5" or 3"), the sheet will slip out of place easily.
An allowance of 10" is excessive and would result in wasted fabric.
Therefore, a 7" allowance is the standard recommendation for a 5" thick mattress.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended tucking allowance at each end for a 5" thick mattress is 7".