It took me a while to figure out the needles threader. I could still thread it manually faster! I also need to put the presser foot in the down position in order to get a better hold on the thread so I can pull it over and hook it in the right place. The girl at the shop wasn't much help in showing me how to do it. I also don't use the automatic cutter much, because I'm in a hurry. It jams and I have to push the button again. I find that I can cut the thread faster by using the cutter on the side of the machine. It also leaves a nice thread tail to grip when I start my next seam.