By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Wood router inlay templates guide a router so you can cut clean, repeatable pockets and matching inlay pieces for decorative accents, repairs and personalized signs. If you have ever tried to freehand a bowtie or butterfly inlay, you know how quickly a small wobble shows up as a gap. This list focuses on templates that are well made, clearly sized for common inlay shapes, and practical for hobbyists who want consistent results. Our criteria were material and thickness, the variety of shapes included, bushing and guide compatibility, the workability of the layout, and the patterns owners tend to mention when they describe fit and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/FrameView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for multi-shape variety13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit – Bowtie, Butterfly Inlay & Decorative TemplatesView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for repair work10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly InlayView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pick8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking, Bowtie Router Template Jig KitView on Amazon - 5
Best for valet trays and boxesBENECREAT 3 Pocket Valet Tray Router TemplatesView on Amazon - 6
Best for cutting boardsCrosses Router Template Acrylic Router Template for Woodworking Drawing Inlay TemplatesView on Amazon - 7
Best for signs and landscape boardsBENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay TemplateView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame | Balanced all-around inlay work | Three-template kit with a precision frame |
| 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit | Trying many inlay shapes | Bowtie, butterfly and decorative templates in one set |
| 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch | Repairs and small inlays | Ten bowtie sizes on a 7×7 inch board |
| 8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking | Budget-minded beginners | Eight templates covering bowtie and butterfly shapes |
| BENECREAT 3 Pocket Valet Tray Router Templates | Valet trays and box lids | Clear acrylic with three pocket openings |
| Crosses Router Template Acrylic Router Template | Charcuterie and cutting boards | Decorative cross and drawing-style patterns |
| BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template | Signs and landscape designs | Mountain pattern with protective film, 4.5mm thick |
Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame
Bow Tie Inlay Kit – Decorative Inlay Creation – Inlay Templates – 3-in-1 Kit – Precision Frame Included Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame – Woodworking Templates
Best for: Balanced all-around inlay work
This kit suits woodworkers who want a dependable starting point for bowtie and decorative inlays and appreciate a frame that holds the work steady.
Key specs:
- Three-in-one kit
- Includes a precision frame
- Designed for bowtie-style decorative inlays
Pros:
- Frame helps keep the workpiece aligned
- Covers several inlay sizes in one purchase
- Well-known brand name in woodworking accessories
Cons:
- Fewer shapes than the largest multi-template sets
- Works best with a router bit and bushing sized to match the template
Bottom line: A strong pick for woodworkers who want a reliable, well-organized kit for bowtie inlays without collecting dozens of shapes.
13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit – Bowtie, Butterfly Inlay & Decorative Templates
13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit – Bowtie, Butterfly Inlay & Decorative Templates – 10 x 7.9 inches
Best for: Trying many inlay shapes
Good for makers who want to experiment with bowties, butterflies and decorative designs before deciding which shapes they use most often.
Key specs:
- 13 templates in one kit
- Board size approximately 10 x 7.9 inches
- Bowtie, butterfly and decorative patterns
Pros:
- Large variety for the price of a single-purpose set
- Useful for learning how different shapes sit in the same stock
- Good coverage for seasonal or gift projects
Cons:
- Some shapes may see less use than others
- Smaller templates can be fiddly to clamp securely
Bottom line: Best for makers who want the widest selection and are happy to try several shapes across different projects.
10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay
10 bowtie sizes, 7×7 inch board, 1/4 inch acrylic, brass bushing + centering pin, laser-etched, wood inlay repair decorative 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay
Best for: Repairs and small inlays
A good choice for repairing chipped or cracked wood with a matching inlay, or for adding small accents to boxes and furniture edges.
Key specs:
- Ten bowtie sizes
- 7 x 7 inch board
- 1/4 inch acrylic construction
- Brass bushing and centering pin
- Laser-etched markings
Pros:
- Size range suits both small and medium inlays
- Brass bushing and centering pin aid alignment
- Laser etching is easier to read than painted markings
Cons:
- 1/4 inch acrylic is thinner than heavy-duty alternatives
- Bowtie focus limits variety for butterfly or freeform designs
Bottom line: Ideal for woodworkers doing repairs or small decorative accents who want accurate sizing across many bowtie variations.
8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking, Bowtie Router Template Jig Kit
8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking, Router Jig Bowtie Template for Woodworking, Bowtie Router Template Jig Kit, Butterfly Inlay Template Decorative
Best for: Budget-minded beginners
Suited to beginners who want to learn inlay basics without committing to a large specialty kit.
Key specs:
- Eight templates in one set
- Bowtie and butterfly inlay shapes
Pros:
- Covers the most common inlay shapes
- Good entry point for learning template routing
- Simple layout that is easy to understand
Cons:
- Fewer decorative options than larger kits
- Template thickness and finish vary by batch, so check fit before routing your final piece
Bottom line: A sensible starting point for beginners who want core bowtie and butterfly shapes at a budget-friendly level.
BENECREAT 3 Pocket Valet Tray Router Templates
BENECREAT 3 Pocket Valet Tray Router Templates, Rectangle Clear Acrylic Template, 4.5mm Thick Woodworking Router Template, Router Inlay Template for Wood Craft Projects
Best for: Valet trays and box lids
Works well for makers building valet trays, catchall trays and box lids who want evenly sized pockets or inlay openings.
Key specs:
- Rectangular clear acrylic template
- Three pocket openings
- 4.5mm thick
Pros:
- Clear acrylic lets you see the stock under the template
- Thick enough for guided routing
- Useful layout for repeating pocket patterns
Cons:
- Single-purpose layout compared with multi-shape kits
- Pocket spacing may not suit every tray design
Bottom line: Best for valet tray builders who need repeatable rectangular pockets rather than a range of decorative shapes.
Crosses Router Template Acrylic Router Template for Woodworking Drawing Inlay Templates
Crosses Router Template Acrylic Router Template for Woodworking Drawing Inlay Templates Charcuterie Board Decorative Templates
Best for: Charcuterie and cutting boards
Fits makers who want a decorative cross or drawing-style inlay on boards, trays and small signs.
Key specs:
- Acrylic construction
- Cross and drawing-style pattern
Pros:
- Distinctive pattern for decorative boards
- Acrylic is easy to see through during setup
- Works with standard guide bushings in many setups
Cons:
- Limited to one design family
- Edges can need light sanding to run smoothly with a bushing
Bottom line: A good pick for cutting board and charcuterie makers who want one standout decorative pattern.
BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template
BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template, Woodworking Router Template with Protective Film for Creating Unique Inlays in Signs, Charcuterie Boards, 11.8x5inch, 4.5mm Thick
Best for: Signs and landscape designs
For woodworkers making wall signs, nature-themed decor or personalized boards with a mountain motif.
Key specs:
- Clear acrylic template
- Approximately 11.8 x 5 inches
- 4.5mm thick
- Protective film included
Pros:
- Protective film helps prevent scratches before use
- Thickness suits repeated guided passes
- Clear material makes alignment easier
Cons:
- Mountain design is narrow in its intended use
- Larger designs may need careful clamping on small stock
Bottom line: Best for sign makers and decorative woodworkers who want a themed template with a clean, protected finish.
Buying Guide
Template Material and Thickness
Most inlay templates are made from acrylic or similar plastics. Thicker templates, often around 4.5mm, give the bushing more to ride against and resist flexing during long passes. Thinner acrylic can work for small, light inlays but may not hold up well over repeated use on hardwood.
Good picks for this: BENECREAT 3 Pocket Valet Tray Router Templates, BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template
Shape Variety and Intended Use
Decide whether you want one shape done well or a range of options. Bowtie and butterfly inlays are the most common, while decorative and freeform shapes suit signs and boards. Matching the set to your typical projects saves money and storage space.
Good picks for this: 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit, Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame
Bushing Compatibility
Inlay templates work with a guide bushing mounted to the router base. Check that the template’s guide opening matches the bushing outside diameter you own, and that the router bit diameter leaves the offset you need. Many kits include a brass bushing and centering pin, which helps accuracy.
Good picks for this: 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay, Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame
Size and Layout Fit
Look at the board size and the spacing between shapes. A 7×7 inch board suits small repairs, while a larger 10 x 8 inch board gives more room for multiple shapes. Make sure the template fits your clamps and leaves room for the router base to travel.
Good picks for this: 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay, 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit
Clarity and Alignment Markings
Clear material and well-marked patterns make setup faster. Laser-etched or clearly printed markings reduce the chance of misalignment, especially when you are lining up a template over a previously routed area for a repair.
Good picks for this: 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay, BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template
Durability and Care
Wipe acrylic templates clean after use to remove sawdust and resin, and store them flat or hanging so they do not warp. Avoid harsh solvents, which can cloud or crack the surface. Protective film, where included, helps keep the template clean until you start a project.
Good picks for this: BENECREAT Mountain Clear Acrylic Router Inlay Template, Crosses Router Template Acrylic Router Template
FAQ
What is a wood router inlay template?
It is a flat template, usually acrylic, with a pattern cut into it. You clamp the template over your workpiece and run a router with a guide bushing along the edges. The bit cuts a pocket that matches the template shape, which you can then fill with a contrasting inlay piece.
Do I need a special router to use inlay templates?
No. Most standard handheld routers work with inlay templates as long as they accept a guide bushing. Fixed-base and plunge routers are both common, and many woodworkers use a trim router for smaller inlays.
What bushing size should I use?
The bushing must fit the template’s guide opening. Many inlay kits are designed around a specific bushing diameter, so check the template details before buying the bushing. The offset between the bit and the bushing edge determines the final pocket size.
How thick should an inlay template be?
Templates around 4.5mm thick are common for guided routing because they give the bushing a solid edge to follow. Thinner templates can work for small, light passes but may flex on hardwoods.
Can I use inlay templates on hardwood?
Yes. Take shallow passes, especially in dense hardwood, and keep the bushing firmly against the template edge. Clamp both the template and the workpiece securely before routing.
How do I clean and store acrylic templates?
Wipe them with a soft cloth and mild soap, dry them thoroughly, and store them flat or hung so they stay straight. Keep them away from heat sources, which can cause warping.
Are inlay templates safe to use?
Routers spin fast and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Wear eye and hearing protection, use dust collection, secure the workpiece, and follow the router manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure about setup or safe operation, consult a professional woodworking instructor or the router manufacturer’s support team.
Conclusion
For most woodworkers, the Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame is a dependable all-around choice for bowtie and decorative inlays. If you want the widest range of shapes to experiment with, the 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit covers more ground. For repairs and small accents, the 10-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Templates, 7×7 Inch Butterfly Inlay offer accurate sizing, while the 8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking suit beginners on a tighter budget. Specialty projects are better served by the valet tray, cutting board and sign templates, each matched to a specific use. Choose by project type first, then check bushing compatibility and board size before ordering.
For more on routing setup, see Router Bits for Wood: 8 Best Sets and Bits Compared (2026) and Wood Router Table Combo: How to Choose and Build One Step by Step (2026).
Sources
- Workplace safety guidance on power tools and guarding that applies to routers and similar equipment (osha.gov)
- Consumer product safety information on power tool hazards and safe use (cpsc.gov)
- Forest Products Laboratory research on wood properties, machining and finishing (fpl.fs.usda.gov)
Related reading
- Wood by Wright Router Plane Compared: 7 Best Picks for 2026
- Top 7 Wood Router in Tools for Woodworkers Compared
- Top 7 Router Bit to Level Wood Picks for Slab Flattening and Trimming
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
