Router Template Guide
Bow Tie Inlay Template Guide
Bow tie inlays are one of the most popular ways to add detail, character, and reinforcement to woodworking projects. Also known as butterfly inlays, butterfly keys, bow tie keys, or wood stitches, they are commonly used on live edge slabs, dining tables, coffee tables, charcuterie boards, benches, desks, and epoxy projects.
This guide explains how bow tie inlay templates work, what router bits we recommend, when to use pre-cut wood inlays, and how to get cleaner results when routing bow tie and butterfly inlays into wood.
What Is a Bow Tie Inlay Template?
A bow tie inlay template is a reusable router template used to create a bow tie or butterfly-shaped pocket in wood. Once the pocket is routed, a matching wood inlay is glued into place and sanded flush with the surface.
Clear acrylic templates are especially useful because they let you see the wood grain, crack, knot, seam, or layout marks underneath the template before you start routing. That makes it easier to position the bow tie exactly where it looks best.
Quick Answer
A bow tie inlay template helps woodworkers route consistent butterfly-shaped pockets in wood. These inlays are often used across cracks, checks, and natural openings in live edge slabs, tabletops, serving boards, and furniture.
For the cleanest process, use a clear acrylic bow tie template, secure it with template tape, pocket most of the area with a larger flush trim plunge bit, clean up tight corners with a smaller detail bit, then install either a pre-cut laser inlay or a custom inlay made from your own wood.
Bow Tie Inlay vs Butterfly Inlay
Bow tie inlay and butterfly inlay are two common names for the same type of woodworking inlay. Some woodworkers also call them butterfly keys, bow tie keys, bow tie joints, or wood stitches.
The name usually depends on the woodworker or region, but the purpose is similar: the inlay adds a decorative shape across a crack, check, seam, or natural feature in the wood. In many projects, bow ties are used for both visual impact and added reinforcement.
When Should You Use Bow Tie Inlays?
Live Edge Slabs
Bow ties are often used across cracks and checks in live edge slabs to turn natural movement into an intentional design feature.
Tables + Furniture
They work well on dining tables, coffee tables, desks, benches, shelves, and other custom furniture pieces.
Charcuterie Boards
Smaller bow ties can add detail and contrast to charcuterie boards, serving boards, and epoxy board projects.
Decorative Inlays
Bow ties do not always have to cover a crack. They can also be used as a design detail to add contrast and craftsmanship.
Bow Tie, Dog Bone, Ring + X Inlay Templates
Our clear acrylic inlay templates are available in multiple shapes, including bow tie, dog bone, ring, and X designs. This gives you different options depending on the style of project you are building.
The bow tie shape is the most classic option for slabs and furniture, while dog bone, ring, and X-style inlays can add a more modern or decorative look.
Shop Clear Acrylic Inlay Templates →Tools and Supplies You Need
To use a bow tie inlay template properly, you will need a router, the acrylic template, template tape, the correct router bits, and either pre-cut bow tie inlays or wood blanks to make your own.
Used to route the inlay pocket in your wood project.
Shop Templates → Template Tape
Helps hold the acrylic template securely to your workpiece while routing.
Shop Template Tape → Laser Cut Wood Inlays
A faster option than making each bow tie inlay from scratch.
Shop Wood Inlays →
Recommended Router Bits for Bow Tie Inlays
Using the right router bits makes the bow tie inlay process cleaner and easier. We use different bits for pocketing the main area, cleaning up tight corners, and making custom inlays from scratch.
Pocketing the Main Area
Use this carbide tipped flush trim plunge bit to remove the majority of the material inside the bow tie inlay pocket.
Shop Pocketing Bit →Tight Corners + Details
Use this smaller miniature flush trim plunge bit to get into tighter corners and more detailed areas of the template.
Shop Detail Bit →Making Your Own Inlays
Use this UltraTrim spiral flush trim bit if you want to make your own bow tie inlays from scratch.
Shop Flush Trim Bit →How to Use a Bow Tie Inlay Template
The process is straightforward, but accuracy matters. Test your setup on scrap wood first, especially if you are using the template for the first time.
- Choose the crack, check, seam, or design area where you want the inlay.
- Position the clear acrylic template so the bow tie shape sits exactly where you want it.
- Secure the template with Template Tape.
- Pocket out the majority of the inlay area with the recommended larger bit.
- Use the smaller detail bit to reach tighter corners and detailed areas.
- Test fit your wood bow tie inlay.
- Glue the inlay into the pocket and allow it to cure fully.
- Sand the inlay flush with the surface.
- Apply your preferred wood finish.
Watch the Bow Tie Inlay Process
Watch this video to see how the bow tie inlay process works, including setting up the template, routing the pocket, and fitting the inlay.
Should You Buy Bow Tie Inlays or Make Your Own?
You can make your own bow tie inlays from wood, but the faster and easier option is to use pre-cut laser inlays. This is especially helpful if you want consistent sizing, clean shapes, and less setup time.
Our laser cut inlays are available in wood species like walnut, curly maple, and padauk, giving you options for both subtle and high-contrast designs.
Shop Laser Cut Bow Tie Inlays →Common Bow Tie Inlay Mistakes to Avoid
Template Movement
If the template moves while routing, the pocket can become oversized or uneven. Use template tape and check that everything is secure before routing.
Wrong Router Bit
Using the wrong bit can make it harder to follow the template or reach tight detail areas. Use the correct bit for each step.
Skipping a Test Cut
Always test the process on scrap wood first so you can confirm your router depth, bit setup, and inlay fit.
Poor Placement
Bow ties look best when they feel intentional. Use the clear acrylic to line up the shape with the grain, crack, or design feature.
Shop Bow Tie Inlay Supplies
Here are the main products we recommend for creating clean bow tie and butterfly inlays.
Bow Tie Inlay Template FAQ
What is a bow tie inlay template used for?
A bow tie inlay template is used to route bow tie or butterfly-shaped pockets in wood. These pockets are then filled with matching wood inlays and sanded flush.
Are bow tie inlays and butterfly inlays the same thing?
Yes. Bow tie inlays and butterfly inlays are two names for the same general style of woodworking inlay.
Do I need template tape?
Template tape is recommended because it helps keep the acrylic template secure while routing. This improves accuracy and reduces the chance of the template shifting.
Should I make my own bow tie inlays or buy pre-cut inlays?
Both options work. Making your own inlays gives you more control over the wood species and grain, while pre-cut laser inlays are faster, easier, and more consistent.
Can bow tie templates be used on charcuterie boards?
Yes. Bow tie templates can be used on charcuterie boards, serving boards, slabs, tables, benches, desks, and other woodworking projects.
Ready to Make Cleaner Bow Tie Inlays?
Start with the clear acrylic bow tie template, pair it with the right router bits and template tape, and use laser cut wood inlays if you want a faster, more consistent fit.
