This tape measure came as part of a set of "tools for knitters". It has centimeters on one side and a mysterious unit on the other which I have not previously come across. Each one is equivalent to about one and a quarter inches. I measured my waist with it and laughed out loud at the result. 23 of the mystery units.

This goes to explain why my ex boss was receiving gowns made up in the wrong sizes! I guess she just needed one of these tape measures!

Might explain why things made in China ,at times are not the size that is stated on the label.I had a tape measure where the first inch measurement started at the end of the metal bit ,not at the beginning of the tape.It was a while before I noticed the discrepancy ,cut off the metal bit immediately ,It had caused some frustrating mistakes.

Save it for the Christmas exchange, Sue. We all want one! Now to shop for some Chinese scales.

2 comments

by spendlove 21 Feb 2016

Great idea!

by Smokey12 21 Feb 2016

I want one of the scales too. :)

I think I may have found the reason at the link. I have had one of these before. I wonder now if that is the reason many items from China are different sized than in the US or elsewhere.

4 comments

by spendlove 21 Feb 2016

I'm not sure whether to be pleased at the perfectly reasonable explanation or disappointed!

by rescuer 21 Feb 2016

I suppose I could have left it a mystery. It was for me until someone I knew explained it. Let your scientific mind be pleased and your irrational side can continue with waist measurements. ;)

by spendlove 21 Feb 2016

LOL!

by mops 22 Feb 2016

What a bewildering set of measurements! But at least we now know that using a Chinese inch measuring tape does wonders for our self esteem :)

It looks like an Asian tape measure to me!!! I bought something on line from the advertisemennt at the top right of this page. I got extra large and it didn't fit, so I gave the blouse to Amy. Love Chris

2 comments

by rescuer 21 Feb 2016

The advertisements we see are based on individual use. What you see may be different from what others see.

by crafter2243 21 Feb 2016

I do not even see anything since I blocked the advertisement

I think the symbol is Chinese for "you kid yourself". How much do you want for it? :)

2 comments

by crafter2243 21 Feb 2016

LOL

by vickiannette 21 Feb 2016

great comment

I'm stumped too. All I can think of, it that the company who made it, got the measurements off by a significant amount. But how nice to see our waistlines become smaller so easily.

1 comment

by spendlove 21 Feb 2016

Indeed!