I, too, get split thread when I cut the thread tip at an angle. It took me a long time to figure out if the needle won't thread, turn the needle around. Always works! Wetting the needle instead of the thread never worked for me. Must be doing something wrong. I was told that if you want to thread the sewing machine needle, run your thread down the front of the needle, in the groove (who knew there was a groove there), and it will pop into the hole. How can such a supposedly simple task could cause so much aggravation!!? lol