“Mother allowed some material for the three tucks,” Margaret explained. “She said each tuck was to be one-quarter inch wide and one-half inch apart. We can baste in the tucks, can’t we? Then Mother will stitch them in on her machine.”
“Oh, yes, My Lady, we can easily do that. First we shall have to measure the distance, then crease them in, then baste,” Sir Bodkin told her.
Margaret took the tape measure out of her work-basket and the tucking began.
“Measure one inch up from the hem top and crease the first tuck with your nail then pleat it with your fingers across the bottom of the apron,” Sir Bodkin said.
Margaret creased very carefully and every so often measured until she had marked the tuck across from one side of the little apron to the other.
“That looks very even. Now, Baster, you rogue, baste this tuck very carefully,” said the King.
Baster was harnessed with basting-thread, with the end knotted and then he waited for his little mistress to begin.
“Step along the tuck one-quarter inch from the creased edge. Take medium-sized steps, sir,” ordered Sir Bodkin, “but before you start take a few slides back and forth through the emery to glide in and out easily. Lawn is a little stiff sometimes, My Lady,” he said to Margaret.