I have a manual threader that I bought from a Janome shop which also has a machine needle inserter at the other end. Might be a useful for you.

I use doctors forceps/hemostats to hold mine. You can buy them at fabric and craft shops now and they are truly an indispensable sewing item.

When changing a needle, put a scrap piece of fabric over the bobbin area so it cannot fall down in. Saves aggravation. Nan W

I had this happen when I first got my machine. If you're strong enough you can try to turn it upside down and gentle shake it out - or - odds are it's lying quietly and when you get your machine cleaned the tec will find it. I use the scrap of fabric over the hole when I change my needle now. As long as we keep learning we get to keep living, sooooooooo

I use a dentist style mirror to see where the needle in my embroidery machine goes, and a pair of longish tweezers to hold the new needle.

Having read the other posts I will now place a peice of fabric over the bobbin area on my machine. Thank you to those cuties.

As athe other cutes have advised NEVER change the needle without covering the plate with paper or scrap of paper. I usually keep a scrap of white felt near for this. I, with help, turned my machine upside down and with a small shake the needle fell out when this happened to me long ago./Lillian

I have never had this happen to me. A lot of very good advice here. I have taken note. Sarah.

Thanks everyone. I never thought of covering the plate. I will def do that next time I change my needle. Even though I have never dropped one I have had a few close calls.

I'm with some of the others...ALWAYS cover the plate when changing needles. A small piece of paper over the plate can save you several dollars in repair costs.

Gosh... I do feel sorry for you, you'll always be worried til you find it :(
some excellent advise here., I always worry too & have had a couple of close calls, but now I will also be putting fabric or paper to cover the possibilities.

Just turn it upside down and shake it my repair man does it all the time when i lose a screw lol

I have done it and brought my machine immediately to be serviced just to find out that it dropped to the bottom of the casing and the tech would have removed it next time I had to bring the machine in for the yearly cleaning anyway. Just turn the wheel by hand. As long as it moves freely it should be alright. After that I always place a paper over the bobbin case.