Bow Tie Router Template for Wood Inlays
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Create clean, repeatable bow tie inlays with our clear acrylic bow tie router templates. Also known as a bow tie inlay template, butterfly inlay template, butterfly key template, or bow tie joint template, these woodworking templates are commonly used to add decorative detail, reinforce cracks, and enhance live edge slabs, tables, charcuterie boards, serving boards, benches, desks, and custom furniture projects.
These reusable 1/4" thick acrylic templates are designed for routing clean inlay pockets in wood and pairing with matching wood bow tie inlays. The clear acrylic design helps you see your wood grain, cracks, knots, and layout marks so you can place the inlay exactly where you want it.
Clear Acrylic Router Templates for Bow Tie Inlays
These templates are designed for woodworkers, furniture makers, epoxy artists, and DIY builders who want a simple way to create clean bow tie, dog bone, ring, or X-style inlays. They are a great option for adding visual interest to cracks, checks, knots, seams, live edge slabs, charcuterie boards, and handmade furniture projects.
What Is a Bow Tie Inlay?
A bow tie inlay is a decorative woodworking detail shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. It is usually routed into the surface of a board, slab, or tabletop and filled with a matching or contrasting piece of wood.
Bow tie inlays are commonly used across cracks, splits, knots, and natural checks in wood. They can help add stability, but they are also chosen for the way they highlight natural character in live edge slabs, charcuterie boards, and handmade furniture.
Bow Tie Inlay vs Butterfly Inlay
Bow tie inlay and butterfly inlay are two common names for the same style of woodworking inlay. Some woodworkers also call them butterfly keys, bow tie keys, bow tie joints, or wood stitches. No matter what name you use, the goal is the same: create a clean, attractive inlay that adds detail and character to your project.
Template Sizes
Each clear acrylic template measures approximately 7.875" wide by 7.875" high and is made from 1/4" thick acrylic. The inlay sizes vary by design and size option.
| Template Shape | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Tie | 3.5" x 1.25" | 4.25" x 1.625" | 5" x 2" |
| Dog Bone | 4.5" x 0.75" | 5.25" x 1" | 6.375" x 1.125" |
| Ring | 2" diameter | 3" diameter | 4" diameter |
| X | 2" x 2" | 3" x 3" | 4" x 4" |
Great For These Woodworking Projects
- Live edge slabs
- Dining tables and coffee tables
- Charcuterie boards and serving boards
- Benches, desks, and shelves
- Epoxy river tables and wood/resin projects
- Crack repair and decorative slab details
- Custom furniture and woodworking projects
Clear Acrylic
See your wood grain, cracks, knots, and layout marks so you can position the template with more confidence.
Reusable Design
Use the template again and again for furniture builds, slab projects, serving boards, and custom woodworking pieces.
Consistent Results
Create repeatable bow tie, dog bone, ring, and X-style inlays without laying out each shape by hand from scratch.
How to Use a Bow Tie Router Template
The basic process is simple: position the clear acrylic template over the area where you want the inlay, secure it firmly to your workpiece, route the pocket, then fit your matching wood inlay into the routed area.
- Choose the crack, knot, seam, or design area where you want the inlay.
- Position the clear acrylic template so the shape sits exactly where you want it.
- Secure the template to your workpiece with Template Tape.
- Use a router to pocket out the majority of the inlay area.
- Use a smaller bit to clean up the tight corners and detailed areas.
- Test fit your bow tie inlay or create your own matching inlay from wood.
- Glue the inlay in place, allow it to cure, then sand flush.
- Finish your project with your preferred wood finish or epoxy-safe finish.
Recommended Router Bits
For best results, we recommend using the proper router bits for each step of the bow tie inlay process. The larger bit is used to remove most of the material, the smaller bit helps reach tighter details, and the flush trim bit is useful if you want to make your own bow tie inlays from scratch.
Use this bit to remove the majority of the material inside the inlay pocket.
Shop Pocketing Bit → Tight Corners + Detail Areas
Use this smaller bit to get into the tighter corners and detailed areas of the template.
Shop Detail Bit → Making Your Own Inlays
Use this flush trim bit if you want to create your own bow tie inlays from scratch.
Shop Flush Trim Bit →
Prefer a Faster Option?
If you want to save time, a great option is to use our laser cut wooden bow tie inlays instead of making each inlay from scratch. These are available in multiple wood species and are designed to pair with the template process.
Shop Laser Cut Bow Tie Inlays →
Watch the Bow Tie Inlay Process
Watch this video to see how the bow tie inlay process works, including using the acrylic template, routing the pocket, and fitting the wooden inlay.
Tips for Better Bow Tie Inlays
- Test your setup on scrap wood before routing into your final project.
- Make sure the template is securely held in place before routing.
- Use Template Tape to help prevent the acrylic template from moving.
- Use sharp router bits to reduce tearout and improve edge quality.
- Pocket out the main area first, then move to the smaller detail bit for the tighter sections.
- Choose a contrasting wood species if you want the bow tie inlay to stand out.
- Use a matching wood species if you want a more subtle, refined look.
- Sand the inlay flush after installation for a clean finished surface.
Common Uses for Bow Tie Templates
Bow tie templates are especially popular for live edge woodworking and slab furniture because they help turn natural cracks and checks into intentional design details.
They can also be used purely as a decorative feature on charcuterie boards, serving boards, shelves, benches, and epoxy resin projects. Whether you are building furniture to sell, making a gift, or adding detail to a personal project, a bow tie inlay is a simple way to make the piece feel more custom.
Related Supplies
Complete your bow tie inlay project with the right woodworking supplies:
Bow Tie Template FAQ
What is a bow tie template used for?
A bow tie template is used to create bow tie or butterfly-shaped inlays in wood. These inlays are often used on cracks, checks, knots, live edge slabs, tables, charcuterie boards, and custom furniture projects.
Is a bow tie inlay the same as a butterfly inlay?
Yes. Bow tie inlay and butterfly inlay are two common names for the same style of woodworking inlay. They may also be called butterfly keys, bow tie keys, or bow tie joints.
What router bits do I need for this template?
We recommend using a router bit for pocketing the majority of the inlay area, a smaller detail bit for tight corners, and a flush trim bit if you want to make your own wooden bow tie inlays from scratch.
Can I buy the bow tie inlays instead of making them?
Yes. We also sell laser cut bow tie inlays in species like walnut, curly maple, and padauk, which is a faster option if you do not want to make each inlay from scratch.
Can I use this template on live edge slabs?
Yes. Bow tie inlays are commonly used on live edge slabs to add detail across cracks, checks, seams, and natural character areas.
Can this template be reused?
Yes. The acrylic template is reusable and can be used for multiple woodworking, furniture, and epoxy projects.
Do I need template tape?
Template tape is recommended because it helps hold the acrylic template securely in place while routing. A secure template helps improve accuracy and reduces the chance of movement during the cut.
Build Cleaner Bow Tie Inlays
Whether you call them bow ties, butterfly inlays, butterfly keys, or wood stitches, this clear acrylic router template gives you a simple and repeatable way to add detail, character, and craftsmanship to your woodworking projects.
