I also have trouble threading my Designer SE with the auto needle threader. Everytime I go to my dealer and show them, they say I just need to practice, practice, practice. And guess what, the more I do it, the easier it becomes. I also have a Janome and it was the same with it in the beginning. Needle and thread size does matter. A really good, FREE source for education on threads and needles can be found on the Superior Thread website. They sell all kinds of brands; again, no affiliation, just a happy customer.