Tinder reply when she opened by asking if I've ever tried a pottery class

Read the second half of her message before the first. The question about pottery is the way in, but the sentence about her friends saying no is the part that tells you what she wants. She is looking for someone who will say yes, or at least take the invitation seriously. That is a small, friendly ask, and it shows she is comfortable being a bit playful. Her profile and her opener are both telling you she has a sense of humour and likes doing things, so match that rather than treating the message as a test of your hobbies.

If you have never done a pottery class, that is fine. What matters is whether you can speak to the idea of going, why it might be fun, or what your own version of a low-stakes try-something-new night would look like. If you have done one, say so briefly, then give her one detail she did not expect.

One shape is a short true answer with a reason attached. You say whether you have tried it, then add one line about why you would or would not go. This keeps the reply grounded and gives her something to agree or disagree with. A draft is this shape when it has a clear answer in the first few words and a single reason after it. It should leave out any extra questions, since one question is enough to keep the conversation open.

Another shape is an answer that agrees to the invitation in principle. You do not need to commit to a date. You just show you are open to going, and maybe name a friend or an activity you would bring along. A draft is this shape when it sounds like you would go if it came up, not like you are proposing a plan. Leave out any detail that makes it sound like you have already decided on a time or place.

A third shape is a playful counter. You tease her gently about the friends, or about her own track record with trying new things, then hand the thread back. A draft is this shape when the tease is clearly friendly and the last line invites her to answer. Leave out anything that sounds like you are scoring a point.

Reply within a few hours if you can, and try to do it in the middle of the day or early evening rather than late at night. A reply sent at 2am reads as a different kind of message, and it can make her feel the conversation is moving faster than she wanted. If she answers quickly, keep your next reply in the same length and tone. If she does not answer for a day or two, that is ordinary on dating apps and does not mean you did something wrong.

If there is no reply after a day or two, send one light follow-up that adds something new rather than repeating the pottery question. A small observation about your week, or a related thought, is enough. If there is still nothing after that, stop. Two messages without an answer is the natural limit. Sending a third usually makes the silence feel more awkward for both of you.