Before

Find your Nertila: a talented neighbor who knows their stuff well enough to teach the basics and is happy to be the anchor.

Set the trade in the invitation, in plain words: bring a cake that represents you, leave with a new skill. Say that beginners are the point and that shop-bought cake is completely acceptable.

Set the event in Plurality and print your flyer. Place it in places that are well attended, like the library or your local coffee shop.

During

Cake first, always. Go around the table and let each person say what their cake is and why it represents them. It's better than any icebreaker because everyone has a story, even the store bought ones.

Then teach one thing only. A chain stitch, a granny square, or a single row. Aiming low means everyone leaves having finished something, and finishing something is what brings people back.

Pair the fast learners with the newcomers as soon as anyone gets it. In a room like this, the second-best crocheter should always be teaching, because that's how the group stops depending on one person.

After

Photograph the cakes and the squares and invite folks to record any other Moments. Send around the pattern you used so people can practice, and ask who's bringing the cake next time.

Set a group on Plurality to keep things going. Invite folks to make this a regular monthly event. Every time, folks will get better and eventually, the newcomers will become the teachers.