Judyjo, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Crazy weekend!! The rubbery thingy I bought at Hobby Lobby in Lfayette, La some years ago but I would think any thread shop would sell them. Also if you put just a tiny bit of dish detergent or hand lotion on the steel hook it will slide right into the rubber thingy. AND slide the steel hook in butt end first!! The hook end has a tendency to catch if going the other way. Hope this helps!!