Creat an offset duplicate path

I create patterns that need a uniform outline around them of a specific size.

I am trying to create a duplicate of a path/shape that is off set a specific distance, for example, can I create a shape and have an exact duplicate of that shape .25 in larger in all directions created from that shape? It could be a linear path for instance in the shape of the # 2 or a closed path such as an 0. in the case of the closed path the off set could be inside the path (.25 in smaller) or outside the path (.25 in larger).