Originally Posted by Happy Linda
Always. The small hook can get bent. Check to make sure it's straight. Also check to make sure the threader and eye of the needle line up. A little turn of the hand wheel can help with that.
I don't know about other brands, but the "trick" on the Bernina 440 is to tap the foot pedal with your heel. That forces the needle into the perfect position for threading. There's also a button you can push, but the heel tap works better for me.