Check out
www.kellyclinequilting.com, I took a class from her last year and she has YouTube videos using her rulers. They are reasonably priced and simple to use. I have also taken classes using Westalee rulers which can give beautiful designs but are more expensive. I don't think using a regular ruler is a good idea as could break your needle or do damage to your machine. Leah Day has a DVD on her website by Amy Johnson about quilting with rulers and it uses a quilting ruler foot.