Wildyard, the teflon thingys are washers placed in the bobbin case before the bobbin is put in. The brand I have is "Magic Bobbin Washers" by Little Genie. I think it allows the bobbin to spin freely. I use it all the time now. It has helped keep the back of the machine quilted pieces looking good. There is a web address on the package, www.freemotionslider.com. I think I bought the product from either KQ, Clothilde or Nancy's Notions. Couldn't find it at my LQS's. The item is a little pricey but you get a lot of them and I would'nt want to sew anything without them.