Knitting machines have come a long way since their earliest forms that now drive global garment manufacturing. In 1589, English clergyman William Lee unveiled the first major knitting device, who wanted to automate the tedious process of hand-knitting. His invention, known as the stocking frame, was a manually driven apparatus that could generate knitted fabric with greater speed than traditional methods, though it was still far from efficient by contemporary expectations. Lee’s machine used a system of needles and a ribber to create loops in yarn, laying the foundation for all future knitting technology.

The Industrial Revolution radically altered knitting machine design. With the expansion of industrial workshops, knitting machines became bulkier, Women's sweater increasingly autonomous, and fueled by steam power. Innovations like the circular knitting machine, developed in the 1860s, allowed for continuous cylindrical fabrics, redefining the manufacturing of knitted socks. These machines made knitting economically viable and boosted manufacturing volume, making knitted garments more accessible to the general public. As electricity replaced steam, knitting machines became precise and consistently operational.

Computerized knitting technology emerged in the post-war era. These innovations allowed for unparalleled accuracy in stitch configuration, and the ability to weave intricate multicolor patterns without human adjustment. By the 1980s, electronic knitting machines began to appear in domestic craft spaces alongside industrial plants, giving hobbyists the ability to create intricate designs that once required years of skill. Brands like Pfaff and Singer made these machines more affordable and user friendly.

Current knitting systems represent the pinnacle of automation. They are often connected to specialized CAD programs that let creators transfer digital blueprints and generate clothing with near-zero intervention. Some machines can even construct full-body textiles as a single unit, reducing waste and assembly time. Advances in textile chemistry have also enhanced compatibility with novel materials, from traditional wool to advanced technical fibers like polyester and nylon and even conductive threads for smart textiles.

Knitting machine development parallels the march of automation. What began as a experimental contraption has become a cornerstone of both mass production and artisanal craft. While handcrafted knitting is still treasured for its intimate quality, the automated knitting has made textiles universally available and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in textile design.