I go through the exact same process as you. Useless feature as far as I'm concerned.

i can't use mine either , and i've tried time and time again.

I have a Brothers and Singer that have the auto threader, used them always.

When I had this problem consistently, I finally went to the vendor and they said I wasn't slamming the lever down hard enough. Now it works fine - most of the time.

My machine is a Brother CS 6000i

Your self threaded could be bent or something like that. I use mine all the time.

I have a Brother CS6000 and a Janome 9700. I use the needle threader all the time. Wish I had one on my LA. It did take me a little while to realize the needle had to be in the up position just right for it to catch.

Every time. I wouldn't even look at a new machine if it doesn't have one.

Thank you, you guys are such a big help. I have been having an on/off relationship with the threader on my Janome 10001. Got out my magnifying glass and lo and behold I could see the the pushy thingy and now I GET IT, and it is working great!

I have used the one on my Pfaff for the last at least 30 years and luckily, both by Brother and Janome also have needle threaders or I would be in BIG trouble. Love mine.