I don't have a Viking but....did she give you the manual? If not, I would go on line and see if you can find one. Some times (and I don't know about Viking) but the threading of the machine can be quirky. I have a Brothers that I love but have to follow the directions for threading it every time I use it. I have been sewing for 40 years and usually threading is very much the same, but this Brother is a bit different. Good luck. I know how frustrating what you are going through can be. Yolanda Wood River