Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the standard sewing/fabric allowance required to ensure a bedsheet can be tucked securely under a mattress of a specific thickness.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• When calculating the size of a bedsheet, one must account for the top surface area PLUS the thickness of the mattress on all sides PLUS the "tuck-in" allowance.
• For a mattress that is 5 inches thick, a good rule of thumb in Home Management is that the allowance for tucking should be roughly equal to or slightly more than the thickness itself to ensure it stays in place.
• Specifically, the total "drop" or "hang" on each side should be: Mattress thickness (5") + Tuck-in amount (approx 4-5").
• This leads to a total allowance of around 10 inches at each of the ends.
• An allowance of only 3" or 5" would barely cover the side of the mattress and would likely slip out during use.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The allowance for a 5" thick mattress should be 10" at each end.