Karen, The needle goes in flat side left. The needle threads from right to left. When the bobbin is in the case, before inserting in the machine take a good look at the bobbin, pull thread gently and bobbin should turn counterclockwise. It takes a
15 X 1 needle. Those are some of the most important things to check first. Good luck. If you have a manual read it cover to cover, it is all in there. They are an easy fixer. Have fun ask questions if you need. You are going to love it we all do. Ruth