They have self threaders now and If I was to trade mine in an get a new one, that is what I would buy. Personally I made t-shirts and sweatshirts and fleece outer wear with mine, but I bet it hasn't been out of the drawer I keep it in, in probably 5 years. Mine is really hard to work with as far as threading and other things. I think I would use it more if I did regular sewing but I just don't anymore. Jan