I had the same thing happen the first time I took off the throat plate. I thought I'd ruined my machine. But, I just wasn't aware that the position finger had to be matched up in the notch. My machines do like the threading to be perfect, too. ..... bobbin thread counter-clockwise in the case and the needle threaded from inside to outside (right to left). Good luck with your machine and ask questions whenever you have a problem. Someone always comes to your aide.