a template set for inscribing a plurality of curvilinear figures with pencil , inking pen or other marking means is disclosed . the invention comprises a two - part unit for small circles , or a three - part unit for larger circles , enabling an individual circle or family of circles to be drawn without a compass , where such circles have a common center . the device can further be used to draw ellipses of varying size , the ellipses having varying sizes and degrees of eccentricity , and having common foci . the device consists of an exterior holder , an interior holder , a large - circle guide portion and a small - circle guide portion . in the embodiment for drawing large circles , a shim is used to maintain the large - circle guide portion in spaced relationship from the drafting medium .