Cribbage Board Template: Where to Find the Best Patterns Online
Building your own cribbage board is a satisfying project for woodworkers of any skill level. Whether you prefer a classic straight track, a round design, or a jumbo board for longer games, a good cribbage board template makes the job easier and more accurate. Templates keep your drill holes evenly spaced and your layout precise, so the finished board plays correctly from the first peg. This article covers where to find cribbage board templates, what types are available, and what each source offers.
What Is a Cribbage Board Template?
A cribbage board template is a guide used to mark or drill the series of holes that make up the playing track. Templates come in several materials. Acrylic templates are common because they are transparent, letting you see the wood grain beneath. Steel templates are durable and often used with a router or drill press. Paper templates are printable patterns that you tape onto your workpiece. Some kits include indexing pins and a self-centering drill bit to help you drill perfectly aligned holes. The template dictates the size of the finished board, the number of lanes, and the hole spacing.
Where to Find Cribbage Board Templates
The research pack identifies several sources for cribbage board templates, ranging from free digital downloads to ready-to-use acrylic and steel kits. Each option has its own strengths, depending on your budget, tools, and desired board size.
Steel Templates
The YouTube tutorial 'How to Make a Cribbage Board' by Six Eight Woodworks demonstrates using a steel template. According to the tutorial, a steel template can be used with a drill press or CNC machine for repeated accuracy. The video links to a steel template on Amazon, but the specific brand and dimensions are not described in the pack. Steel templates are less transparent than acrylic but are extremely rigid and resistant to wear over many uses. If you plan to make multiple boards, a steel template may be a long-lasting investment. For exact details on dimensions and compatibility, check the video description or the product page linked there.
Free Digital and Paper Templates
If you prefer to try a design before buying, or if you want to experiment with different layouts, free cribbage board templates are available as instant downloads. Customcribboards.com offers free patterns and templates with no credit card required. These are digital downloads that you print on paper and then transfer to your wood. Cribbagecorner.com also provides a free template, though their page also offers a kit that includes the template plus pegs in hardwood, brass, steel, or nickel. WWGOA.com has a cribbage board template project that includes instructions for adding peg storage.
Free templates are a great way to get started without any upfront cost. You only need a printer, paper, tape, and a center punch or awl to mark hole locations. The drawback is that paper templates can shift during drilling and are less durable than acrylic or steel. However, they allow you to test a board shape or size before committing to a more expensive template.
How to Choose the Right Template for Your Project
The choice of template depends on your woodworking tools, the number of boards you plan to make, and your budget.
Consider the Board Size
Rockler’s small template produces a board that is just over 10 inches long, which is compact and good for travel. Empire Goods' classic size (15.25 inches) is closer to a standard full-length board. Their jumbo template (23 inches) is for those who want extra space or larger holes for thick pegs. The UPTTHOW template at about 15 inches sits between the classic and jumbo. Think about where you will use the board and how much table space you have.
Consider the Included Accessories
Rockler’s kit comes with a self-centering drill bit and indexing pins, which help you drill straight, evenly spaced holes without a drill press. If you already own a drill press and a 1/8" bit, you may not need those extras. The UPTTHOW kit includes pegs, so you can finish the board immediately. Empire Goods sells the template alone, so you must supply your own drill bit and pegs.
Consider Your Skill Level
Beginners often appreciate a kit with clear instructions and all necessary parts. The Rockler template is a good entry point because it includes the bit and pins. More experienced woodworkers might prefer the flexibility of a free printable template or a standalone acrylic template that they can use with their preferred drilling setup. The steel template shown in the YouTube tutorial is best for those with a drill press or router table who want a durable, long-term guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cribbage board template for a three-player board?
Some templates are designed for two players only, but others can be adapted. Rockler, for example, also offers templates for three-player boards. When shopping, check the product description to confirm the number of lanes. Acrylic templates from Empire Goods may be used for multiple lanes if the template is wide enough, but the pack does not specify multi-player configurations.
Are free templates as accurate as commercial ones?
Free printable templates can be very accurate if printed at 100% scale and handled carefully. The main risk is paper shifting while you drill. To avoid this, tape the paper firmly to the wood and use a center punch to mark each hole before drilling. Commercial acrylic templates are more rigid and less likely to slip, which can improve consistency, especially for repetitive builds.
What materials are cribbage board templates made from?
Templates come in acrylic, steel, and paper. Acrylic is transparent and lightweight. Steel is very durable and often used with a drill press. Paper is the most affordable option and can be printed at home. The research pack shows that Empire Goods and Rockler sell acrylic templates, the YouTube tutorial uses a steel template, and several sites offer free paper downloads.
Do I need a special drill bit to use a cribbage board template?
Not always, but a self-centering drill bit helps keep holes straight and centered in the template guide. Rockler includes a 1/8" self-centering bit in their kit. If you use a standard drill bit, make sure it fits the hole size in your template. For acrylic templates, a sharp brad-point bit reduces chipping. Always test on scrap wood first.
Start Your Cribbage Board Project with the Right Template
Whether you choose a free downloadable pattern or a commercial acrylic or steel template, having a reliable guide makes the difference between a frustrating drilling session and a smooth build. The sources listed in this article cover a range of prices, sizes, and materials so you can find a cribbage board template that fits your tools and your vision. For free instant downloads, check customcribboards.com to get started without any cost. For a complete kit with drill bit and pins, Rockler’s small template is a solid choice. And if you want a round board or a jumbo size, Empire Goods has those options available. Pair your template with quality wood, pegs, and a steady hand, and you will have a custom cribbage board ready for many games to come.