Abstract: A double lever is provided having a forward arm which is operatively connected to a collar of a presser bar and a rearward arm which is connected via a linkage to an operating lever. A guide arm is articulated to the rearward arm and carries an index pin guided within a parallelogram-shaped inherently closed cam route. A spring-loaded swivel arm including a detent catch is associated with the lower cam section of the closed cam route. Upon light pressure being exerted on the operating lever, the detent catch locks the index pin in a position wherein the presser mechanism lies in close proximity to an uppermost lifted position. By additional pressure being exerted on the operating lever, the index pin moves passed the locking position. With the subsequent release of the operating lever, the presser mechanism returns to the lowered position.