Tim Holtz Idea-ology Design Ruler, 12 Inch, Plastic and Metal, Clear, TH92481

This is a great ruler for crafters. It is see through and well marked.

This crystal clear ruler has some incredible features:1. It's flat, you can clearly read the measurement lines and see what is under it.2. You can measure from the center or from the end, one side is normal, the other starts with a zero in the center.3. Which. means the measurement lines on BOTH SIDES MATCH up and go all the way across.4. There's no "margin" at the start. You just push the ruler up against the edge and start measuring5. PLUS - there's a metal edge you can use with a utility knifeIt's the perfect ruler for crafting! As long as all you need to measure is inches, there are no mm on here. But I need 99% of all my measurements in inches, so this is more of a selling point to me than a detraction.I can't say enough great things about this ruler! It's replaced 3 different ones on my work table.

I have used it for a long time and it is perfect for whatever I am measuring. It disappeared and I had to replace it.

This is seriously the best ruler, especially for scrapbooking. If you need precise measurements this is your ruler. It's double edge is great for cutting on the metal side and the curved edge is great for tearing paper with ease.

This ruler is easy to read. It is great to use as a tear ruler. I bought two.

I have a small sign/shirt printing business. Next to my X-acto knife, this is my most useful tool. I have 36" and 54" aluminum straight edge "rulers". They are great, but for smaller items I grab the Tim Holtz ruler. Being clear and having multiple markings are the best features of this ruler. The markings make lining up things a lot easier. The metal edge is also great. Using a knife with the ruler wouldn't be possible without it. I have accidentally cut using the opposite side, and the X-acto blade would dig into the plastic. The metal edge solves this. I was concerned that the lines would wear off, but after a year or so of heavy use there is no sign of wear. If you do intricate work, I would highly recommend this ruler. My only complaint is that they don't make bigger ones!

My favorite thing about this ruler is the 1/8” grid markings. Other similar rulers only go down to a 1/4” grid. It also has tiny holes spaced at 1/8” intervals for paper piercing. I don’t use those, but it’s a nice feature that could also work as a makeshift compass. It’s also made from thick material — not even remotely flimsy. It feels like it would take a bit of determination to break it.On the down side, I find the 1” interval markings to be too thick (about 1/32” or 1mm). I prefer markings that are thinner than my pencil lines. I would prefer they were at least as thin as the 1/4” markings. I also wish the markings were etched instead of just printed; I’m a little concerned that they might rub off with heavy use and repeated cleaning. But then etching might increase the price prohibitively, and I can’t say for certain that this printing won’t last (I’ve only used it a few days) so I won’t count that against it.Also, the markings are not 100% acurate. It’s off a hair each inch (in comparison to my etched steel ruler) adding up to 1/32” after 10”. This is likely because of printing. This isn’t a big deal with paper crafting, but considering the price, that and the thick markings are irksome enough to deduct a star.

This zero center ruler is so helpful when trying to center designs. No more measuring! Just lay this ruler on your project, near where you believe the center to be, then check side measurements to be sure they are equal. This really speeds up your projects!