Let's break this problem down step by step.

1. Each pocket is 3 1/4 inches wide. In fractional terms, this is: $3 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{13}{4} \, \text{inches}$

2. There are 4 pockets in a row. So, the total width of just the pockets is: $4 \times \frac{13}{4} = 13 \, \text{inches}$

3. The pockets are separated by 1/4 inch. Since there are 4 pockets, there are 3 spaces between them. So, the total space between the pockets is: $3 \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \, \text{inches}$

4. There is also a 1/4-inch border on each side. The total width of the borders is: $2 \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \, \text{inches}$

5. Now, sum everything together to get the total width across the row: $13 + \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{2} = 13 + \frac{3}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = 13 + \frac{5}{4} = 13 + 1 \frac{1}{4} = 14 \frac{1}{4} \, \text{inches}$

So, the total number of inches across each row is 14 1/4 inches.

Would you like further clarification on any step or more details?

Here are some related questions for practice:

1. How many inches would a row of 5 pockets take with the same dimensions?
2. What if each pocket was 4 inches wide instead of 3 1/4 inches?
3. How would the total width change if there was no border?
4. What is the total width if the spaces between pockets were 1/2 inch instead of 1/4 inch?
5. How many rows of 4 pockets would fit in a space that is 60 inches wide?

Tip: When calculating total width, always account for both pockets and the spaces between them, as well as any borders.