How do you get the tile to go around a curve or circle??

I think you're looking for Pattern Along Path.

i have a few examples of pattern on path operations and they can be viewed here

also, in Tavmjong Bah's inkcape manual, he also has a bit of an explanation on how to use the pattern on path inkscape effect. and you can view it here (note that that url goes to the whole page on Effects>Generate From Path so just scroll down to the pattern on path section )

hope this helps.

Cool that works. Thanks.