Here's a diagram that may help. If you print it out so it's 3" square, the middle wedge should give you the size template needed. I didn't know how big you wanted the circle so two sizes are included. You can also draw it up yourself if you make a 3" square as I included the measurements for the lines. Don't forget to add seam allowances when cutting out the fabric.
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thank you everyone. I figured out my problem - me and the template I was using ... my template was for 24 blades LOL so no matter how "low" i cut it, I still had to have 24 blades ...

so I have now purchased mini dresden template rulers ...

You can draw your own w/ the template ruler you have now. Draw out one blade, draw in your seam allowance on one side, place your ruler beside the drawn blade so that the seam lines match (where you would be sewing) draw out your second blade beside it. now you have a 12 blade dressie pattern w/ seam allowances on the outer seams only.

I love this!