Actually, I had it pushed down all the way for sewing, but I hate to leave tension on any spring when not in use, so I popped them both up. I need to get some scraps of material so I can lower the feet when they are sitting idle also. I assumed either that spring was weak, or the sticky back velcro plus the heavy leather was too much for it? It went thru easily on the way down, just lifted the material and foot on the way back up, also broke the thread a few times. How ever, my sleeves now stay closed while riding, and with the temps dropping, that's a good thing!