Knitting Machines Market Size & Share 2026-2035

Knitting Machines Market Size

The knitting machines market was estimated at USD 5.4 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 5.7 billion in 2026 to USD 9.4 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 5.7% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The increasing awareness pertaining to production efficiency and fabric quality optimization, which are part of the market trends that have been largely stressed, has led to a high demand for efficient knitting machines. This has also been contributed by the increasing number of strategic partnerships that have been formed, as well as acquisitions of market leaders. This has been seen as the core reason for the increasing innovations that have been witnessed in the market by the powers that combine the major industry giants like Shima Seiki, Karl Mayer, and Mayer & Cie. This has led to the increasing innovations that have been witnessed in the market, which has also intensified the traditional heavyweight fabric industry.

On the other hand, traditional methods for fabric production like flat knitting or mechanical circular knitting, which are part of traditional practices, are less efficient for complex pattern requirements and do not prove economic viability for high-volume production lines. The increasing innovations that have been witnessed in the textile industries have led to knitting machines being highly efficient since they are computerized and consist of multi-feed mechanisms that help in cutting production time by as high as 30-45% and thus reduce material waste.

It is in line with the movement observed in industries such as apparel manufacturing, technical textiles, and automotive textiles adopting the trends of Industry 4.0 and hence becoming one of the major driving forces responsible for the growth of the market. The requirement to control the pattern on an automated and real-time basis is increasing rapidly in the region of Asia Pacific, especially to control the pattern to produce seamless garments and technical textile products such as sportswear and automotive interior materials. Additionally, an increase in the investment to manufacture smart textile production and sustainable production facilities has been observed in regions such as Europe and North America. Experts and practitioners in the apparel and home textile industries have been moving towards efficient and constant production monitoring to achieve high-throughput production assets. They have thus been moving away from traditional and inefficient production methods such as manual gauge control and simple mechanical pattern selection. On an overall basis, the ability to produce complex knitted products using fully automatic machines is more accurate compared to the traditional methods being adopted.

Computerized flat knitting machines as well as high-speed circular knitting systems, therefore, emerge as the best alternatives due to the known advantages that these systems bring with them, like the minimization of labor costs as well as the minimization of the risk that is associated with errors in the production process. This industry is, therefore, being driven by the steadily advancing knowledge of the value of automation, which is leading to a total acceptability of the value of the manufacturing tool that is under question. In all other aspects, however, a steadily advancing trend is to be witnessed regarding the servo motor technology that is utilized for the needle control mechanism, which is bound to enhance the efficiency of these machines. The textile manufacturing market for knitting machinery is the primary market for the machinery. This market is expected to be greatly impacted due to the large digitalization that is to be witnessed in the fashion industry soon due to the rise of fast-fashion trends.

Knitting Machines Market Trends

The knitting machines industry is in a paradigm shift in terms of trend due to the array of innovative solutions that are being provided into the market by the stalwarts in the industry. The best in the business is coming out with solutions that are at the bleeding edge of innovation in the form of computerized knitting solutions and high-end production solutions that are being provided into the market along with attractive features like intelligent pattern recognition technology, AI-based quality inspection technology, IoT-based production monitoring technology, and high-speed multi-feed technology.

The market response in this regard reflects the knitting machines market's focus on innovation and, thus, the provision of better solutions for the users that help in increasing the level of production efficiency, the time taken for pattern changeovers along with machine setup, and the productivity of the fabric creation process.

• Technological advancement and product development: The knitting machines market is in a paradigm shift in terms of trend due to the array of innovative solutions that are being provided into the market by the stalwarts in the industry. The best in the business is coming out with solutions that are at the bleeding edge of innovation in the form of computerized knitting solutions and high-end production solutions that are being provided into the market along with attractive features like intelligent pattern recognition technology, AI-based quality inspection technology, IoT-based production monitoring technology, and high-speed multi-feed technology.
• Development of smart manufacturing and automated textile production: The market response in this regard is a reflection of the knitting machines market's focus on innovation and, thus, the provision of better solutions for the users that help in increasing the level of production efficiency, the time taken for pattern changeovers along with machine setup, and the productivity of the fabric creation process.
• Sustainable manufacturing and resource efficiency: The effective management of resources through advanced knitting technology is one of the major factors that contribute to minimal wastage of resources and the prevention of consumption of energy, primarily due to optimized production processes, thereby playing a crucial role in sustainable textile manufacturing along with the implementation of various circular economy principles and eco-friendly production projects. This process, along with the implementation of whole garment knitting technology that helps in eliminating wastage of resources and energy consumption, is directly related to the implementation of environmental, social, and governance projects, including various projects related to carbon neutrality in textile production processes.
•  Greater emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart textile manufacturing: The textile manufacturers and production planners are showing increased interest in the connectivity of automated knitting lines in terms of quality control and production output due to the increased work done in ensuring that these machines are operating optimally to prevent costly delays in production processes due to machine malfunctions or issues related to product quality. The increased demand for faster production cycles is resulting in an increased demand for commercial-grade computerized knitting technology throughout the year.

Knitting Machines Market Analysis

Based on the type, the market is segmented into warp knitting machines and weft knitting machines. In 2025, weft knitting machines are expected to lead the market with a share of 67.9%, valued at USD 3.7 billion.

• Weft knitting machines’ segment's dominance is driven by their versatility in producing a wide range of fabric types from basic jersey to complex jacquard patterns, making them ideal for apparel, sportswear, and home textiles where design flexibility and production speed are paramount.
• Circular weft knitting machines accounted for 52.1% of the total market in 2025, remaining essential for high-volume tubular fabric production in sectors like sportswear, underwear, and seamless garment manufacturing where continuous production and fabric consistency are mandatory.
• The weft knitting segment is also growing at a strong 5.8% CAGR, reflecting global preference for versatile knitting systems that can produce both basic and technical fabrics with minimal changeover time.
• Warp knitting machines, particularly raschel warp machines driven by their dominance in technical textiles, lace production, and automotive interior fabrics where dimensional stability and complex open structures are required.
• Tricot warp machines are growing at the fastest rate fueled by increasing demand for smooth, run-resistant fabrics in lingerie, sportswear linings, and medical textiles

Based on the knit structure, the knitting machines market is segmented into single knit and double knit. In 2025, single knit machines hold the major market share of 62%, valued at USD 3.4 billion.

• Single knit machines' dominance is driven by their cost-effectiveness and suitability for lightweight, breathable fabrics used in t-shirts, activewear, and summer apparel where comfort and drape are prioritized over structural stability.
• Double knit machines accounted for 37.90% of the market in 2025, remaining essential for producing heavier, more stable fabrics with superior shape retention used in outerwear, upholstery, and technical applications where dimensional stability is critical.
• The double knit segment is growing at a faster CAGR, reflecting increasing demand for premium fabrics with enhanced durability and reversible designs in fashion and home textile applications

Based on the sales model, the knitting machines market is segmented into direct sales and indirect sales. In 2025, direct sales dominate with 60.2% market share, valued at USD 3.3 billion.

• Direct sales dominance is driven by the high-value, customized nature of knitting machinery purchases where manufacturers prefer direct engagement with equipment suppliers for technical specifications, after-sales service, training, and long-term maintenance contracts.
• Indirect sales through distributors and agents accounted for 39.8% of the market in 2025, remaining important for reaching small and medium-sized textile manufacturers in emerging markets where local technical support and financing arrangements are critical.
• The direct sales segment is growing at a faster 5.9% CAGR, reflecting the trend toward integrated solutions where machinery manufacturers provide complete production systems including software, training, and ongoing technical support rather than just equipment

North America Knitting Machines Market

North America knitting machines market is estimated value of USD 1.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to witness around 5.6% CAGR expacted through 2035.

• The U.S. leads the region, holding 82.7% of the North American market share in 2025. This is driven by investments in technical textiles, nearshoring of apparel production, and the growth of the athleisure and performance apparel sectors.
• The demand in this region is further fueled by a focus on automation and sustainable manufacturing, as companies look to reduce labor dependency and transition from overseas production to domestic manufacturing with advanced knitting technology.
• Canada shows steady growth representing a significant market for specialized technical textiles and industrial fabric production, particularly for automotive and protective clothing applications

Europe Knitting Machines Market

European growth is increasingly influenced by sustainability initiatives, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient knitting machines and whole-garment technology that align with regional environmental standards and circular economy principles.

• Europe is a significant market estimated at USD 1.39 billion in 2025 with a projected growth rate of 5.4%. Germany leads the region with a market value of USD 260 million in 2025 due to its advanced technical textiles sector and automotive interior fabric production.
• The German market's strength is attributed to its leadership in Industry 4.0, where computerized flat knitting machines and raschel warp machines are heavily utilized for producing high-quality automotive textiles and medical fabrics with stringent quality requirements.
• The UK, France, Italy, and Spain collectively represent important markets for fashion-oriented knitting machinery, driven by the modernization of traditional textile manufacturing and the adoption of computerized systems for luxury knitwear and designer fashion production.
• European growth is increasingly influenced by sustainability initiatives, encouraging the adoption of whole-garment knitting technology to eliminate cutting waste and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional cut-and-sew apparel production

Asia Pacific Knitting Machines Market

Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing regional market with a projected growth rate of 6.2% from 2026 to 2035, valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2025.

• China holds the largest market share with a high growth rate of 6.5% driven by massive textile manufacturing capacity, export-oriented apparel production, and large-scale investments in automated knitting infrastructure to maintain global competitiveness.
• India is a key player as manufacturers in the region rapidly shift from manual and semi-automatic machines to fully computerized knitting systems to increase production capacity and meet growing domestic and export demand for knitted garments.
• Countries like Japan are important for high-tech flat knitting machines and whole-garment technology, where precision engineering and innovation in seamless garment production are required for the fashion-forward domestic market.
• Rest of Asia Pacific, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia driven by the relocation of global apparel manufacturing and massive investments in circular knitting capacity for basic garment production

Latin America Knitting Machines Market

Latin America represents a developing segment with a market value of USD 250 million in 2025, growing at a rate of 4.1% through 2035.

• Overall growth is steady as increasing domestic consumption and a growing middle class boost the demand for locally produced knitted apparel and home textiles, driving investments in modern knitting infrastructure.
• Brazil shows a steady growth rate of 4.4%, benefiting from its large domestic textile market and government initiatives to modernize the textile manufacturing sector with more efficient and automated knitting equipment.
• Mexico represents 22.3% of the regional market driven by its proximity to the U.S. market and the growth of nearshoring in apparel manufacturing, particularly for technical and performance textiles.
• While economic variability exists, the long-term trend points toward increased mechanization and the adoption of semi-automatic and fully automatic knitting machines to improve regional competitiveness in global textile markets.

Knitting Machines Market Share

Karl Mayer is leading with approximately 6% market share. Shima Seiki, Karl Mayer, Mayer & Cie, Santoni, and Pai Lung collectively hold around 35%, indicating a moderately fragmented market concentration with a strong tier of dominant global players. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as computerized control system development, facility expansions in emerging markets, and technical textile application collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broad customer base, and strengthen their market position.

• Shima Seiki has enhanced its market footprint by advancing its WHOLEGARMENT technology and integrating AI-powered design software into its flat knitting machine portfolio. This strategic innovation allows for seamless production of complete garments without cutting or sewing, providing a revolutionary approach for sustainable fashion manufacturing. By integrating sophisticated 3D design simulation tools, Shima Seiki reinforces its commitment to reducing material waste and enabling mass customization through its industry-leading computerized flat knitting systems.
•  Karl Mayer continues to dominate the warp knitting segment with its advanced raschel and tricot machines, particularly for technical textiles and automotive applications. The company's recent innovations include high-speed electronic jacquard systems that enable complex pattern creation with unprecedented precision, catering to the automotive interior, sportswear, and industrial fabric sectors. Karl Mayer's technology features multi-bar systems for improved fabric structure control even in demanding technical textile applications

Knitting Machines Market Companies

Major players operating in the knitting machines industry are:

• Flying Tiger
• Fukuhara
• Hanma (Zhenfu)
• Jingwei Textile Machinery
• Karl Mayer
• Lamb
• Lisky
• Lonati
• Mayer & Cie
• Orizio
• Pai Lung
• Santoni
• Shima Seiki
• Terrot
• Tompkins

Mayer & Cie expanded its range of circular knitting machines with the introduction of the Relanit 3.2 HS series, a system compatible with high-speed sportswear and seamless garment production environments. Engineered for optimal productivity, this electronically controlled circular machine offers faster fabric production compared to traditional mechanical systems. The built-in quality monitoring system identifies fabric defects by analyzing knitting patterns using specialized sensors rather than manual inspection. The design's advantage lies in providing instant "defect detection" results, eliminating the need for constant quality checks by experienced technicians during peak production hours.

Santoni continues to innovate in the seamless knitting segment with its Santoni SM8-TOP2 machines, which utilize advanced electronic needle selection for producing complex seamless garments in a single production cycle. This technology is particularly valuable for producing high-performance sportswear and intimate apparel where comfort and fit are paramount. The company's focus on reducing production steps while maintaining fabric quality has made it a preferred supplier for premium activewear brands

Knitting Machines Industry News

• In November 2025, Shima Seiki and a leading fashion technology company announced a significant collaboration to integrate virtual try-on technology with WHOLEGARMENT production systems. This partnership aims to enable direct-to-consumer customized knitwear production, where customers can design their garments digitally and have them manufactured on-demand, reducing inventory waste and enabling true mass customization in the fashion industry.
•  In March 2025, Karl Mayer showcased its latest HKS 3-M ON PLUS raschel machine at the International Textile Machinery Exhibition, featuring specialized capabilities for producing technical spacer fabrics for automotive seating and mattress applications. These systems are designed to maximize production efficiency while maintaining the complex three-dimensional fabric structures required for comfort and breathability. The new electronic control modules allow for precise pattern adjustments without mechanical change, addressing the industry's need for rapid product development cycles.
• In April 2025, Mayer & Cie launched a new production facility in Vietnam to meet the rapidly growing demand for circular knitting machines in Southeast Asia. This facility focuses on manufacturing high-speed single jersey and interlock machines for the region's booming apparel export industry. The plant is a key part of Mayer & Cie's strategy to provide locally supported technical solutions and reduce delivery times for the ASEAN textile manufacturing market.
• In September 2024, Santoni introduced the redesigned Mecmor Top1 Lonati machine series, tailored for high-volume sock and hosiery production. This new iteration boasted enhanced needle selection speed and yarn feeding precision, utilizing advanced servo motor technology for consistent fabric quality across extended production runs. Operating with reduced energy consumption, the Mecmor series addressed the needs of manufacturers aiming to improve sustainability while maintaining competitive production costs.
• In 2024, Pai Lung continued to emphasize its powerful computerized flat knitting machine series, which uses high-resolution pattern control to enable complex jacquard and intarsia designs for the fashion knitwear market. This technology focuses on meeting the demanding requirements of luxury fashion brands while providing the flexibility required for small-batch production and rapid style changes without extensive machine reconfiguration

The knitting machines market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Warp knitting machines
  • Raschel warp
  • Tricot warp
  • Others (crochet etc.)
• Weft knitting machines
  • Circular
  • Straight bar
  • Others (loop wheel etc.)

Market, By Knit Type

• Single knit
• Double knit   

Market, By Mode of Operation

• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Fully automatic    

Market, By End Use Industry

• Automotive textiles
• Sports textiles
• Apparel textiles
• Home textiles
• Others (footwear industry etc.)   

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales  

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE