I have an old Janome (New Home MC6000) and had a problem using the needle threader for years. I took it to a dealer and he fixed it free of charge and now it works perfectly when I'm not using too thick a thread, too thin an needle and when the needle is in the correct (top) position. I also have a Juki with a needle threader that's always worked great unless I'm not using too thick a thread, too thin an needle and when the needle is in the correct (top) position. A good dealer should be able to fix it if it's just misaligned and teach you how to use it1