Originally Posted by ghostrider
When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
I agree 100%. I have a Bernina and two Janomes. I was taught to thread them with the presser feet up and you can feel the how much easier it is to do it with the feet up.