Sewing machine and method for operating such a sewing machine

A sewing machine (1) has a machine head (3) and at least one presser rod (18, 30). The latter has a nahgutseitiges end to which the presser bar (18, 30) with a pressure releasing device (14, 29) which is adapted to cooperate with to vernahendem fabric. A machine-head-side end of the presser bar (18, 30) cooperates with a pressure generating means (20, 31). The latter has a servo motor (21) and a transmission lever (22). The latter is connected in rotation to a motor shaft (23) of the servomotor (21) and is radially spaced from the motor shaft (23) in push connection with the machine-head-side end of the presser bar (18, 30). Operating procedures for the sewing machine (1) are also given. The result is a machine whose operating flexibility is increased with a comparatively low construction effort.