A twelve inch transparent plastic ruler with both inches and centimetres would be a good start. These can be picked up from many places and can cost under a pound. This ruler would be used for measuring and drawing, the transparency would allow you to see through to your work below; something that I find very useful. I know my old technical drawing teacher would scream at me for suggesting you use a ruler to draw along - but there it is - a ruler that is used only for measuring and drawing lines is not likely to have any dents and digs in it.
A better ruler for crafting would have a metal edge or be made entirely out of metal. A metal/metal edged rule will enable you to run a cutting tool along it without damaging the ruler.
Only use a ruler with a metal edge if you are going to use a knife with it. A wooden or plastic ruler and a knife do not go well together.
The down side of a metal ruler is you cant see the work underneath, less places sell them and it is more expensive.
Personally I use a 12" clear plastic ruler I 'acquired' - it has a form of grid pattern in the central flat area that I use to align my edges - it makes 'borders' so much easier. When it comes to cutting i have a perspex 'ruler' with a metal strip in one side of it. The ruler only seems to measure in inches but having measured with the plastic ruler the metal edged ruler is great for chopping when you don't have a paper trimmer!!
As at January 2012 a metal ruler is between £5 and £9 depending on the make and the supplier. Other sizes and configurations are available.
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