Used Knitting - Flat knitting machines for sale

Used Textile Knitting Equipment on Exapro

Exapro presents a selection of used textile knitting equipment for manufacturers, garment producers and industrial buyers looking to expand or upgrade their production capacity.

These machines are designed to produce knitted structures on a straight needle bed. Depending on the configuration, they can be used for simple panels, rib structures, shaped garment parts, jacquard patterns, intarsia work and more technical textile applications.

Buying pre-owned machinery can help reduce investment costs while giving access to proven industrial equipment from recognised manufacturers. For buyers, the key is to compare technical specifications, condition, software compatibility and production requirements before making a decision.

Key Features to Compare

Before selecting a machine, buyers should review the features that directly influence product quality, production flexibility and daily operation.

• Yarn compatibility: Check whether the machine can process the fibres you use, such as cotton, wool, acrylic, polyester, technical yarns or blended materials.
• Pattern capability: Review whether the model supports the knit structures you need, including plain knits, rib, jacquard, intarsia or shaped panels.
• Production speed: Carriage speed, automation level and machine condition all influence output and cycle time.
• Digital controls: Modern systems may include programmable interfaces, pattern storage, design software compatibility and easier production setup.
• Operator usability: Documentation, interface language, software access and training requirements should be checked before purchase.
• Serviceability: Spare parts availability, brand support and maintenance history are especially important when buying used industrial equipment.

Buying Used Equipment Through Exapro

Exapro helps industrial buyers source used machinery from sellers worldwide. The marketplace gives access to equipment across many sectors, including textile production, packaging, food processing, metalworking and other industrial categories.

For textile manufacturers, used knitting equipment can offer a practical balance between acquisition cost, production capability and available technology. Whether you are expanding an existing line, replacing an older model or testing a new product range, Exapro helps you compare listings and contact sellers directly.

When reviewing a listing, pay close attention to the model, year, gauge, working width, number of feeders, control system, included accessories and machine condition. These details are often more important than the brand name alone.

Main Advantages

Industrial flatbed systems are valued in textile production because they combine automation, flexibility and repeatable quality. Their main advantages include:

• Versatility: A wide variety of knitted structures can be produced, from basic stitches to more complex patterns. The exact range depends on gauge, needle bed configuration, feeders and software capabilities.
• Production capacity: Automated operation helps produce textile panels or garment components more efficiently than manual methods, supporting larger batches and recurring production needs.
• Precision: These machines can deliver consistent stitch formation, dimensions and pattern repetition, which is essential for fashion, technical textiles and product standardisation.
• Flexibility: Operators can switch between product designs, yarn types and patterns more easily, helping manufacturers respond to changing customer requirements.
• Automation: Computerised controls can reduce manual setup, improve repeatability and limit the risk of production errors.
• Cost-effectiveness: Purchasing used machinery can make industrial knitting technology more accessible while reducing the initial investment required.
• Sustainability: Reusing existing equipment extends machine life and can support more responsible manufacturing practices.

Leading Manufacturers

Flat knitting machines are produced by several manufacturers with recognised expertise in textile technology, automation and design systems. Availability on the used market depends on region, model range and current listings.

• Shima Seiki: Japanese manufacturer known for computerised knitting systems, design software and WHOLEGARMENT technology, which allows complete garments to be produced in one piece.
• Stoll: German manufacturer with a long history in industrial knitting technology. Stoll machines are used for applications ranging from fashion and technical textiles to upholstery.
• Brother Industries: Brand known for textile machinery with a focus on reliability, practical operation and technical development.
• JY LEH Industrial Co., Ltd.: Taiwan-based manufacturer of high-speed computerised systems designed for efficient and precise production.
• PROTTI: Italian company producing flat and circular knitting machinery since 1911, with a focus on industrial textile solutions.
• Santoni: Part of the Lonati Group, Santoni produces a wide range of knitting equipment for different applications, including seamless and flatbed technologies.

When comparing brands, also check spare parts availability, software support, local technicians and whether the seller can provide documentation or operating history.

Technical Parameters to Review

The right configuration depends on your target products, yarn types, production volume and available factory space. The following parameters should be reviewed before purchase:

• Knitting width: Indicates the maximum fabric or panel width the machine can produce in one process. It is generally expressed in inches or centimetres.
• Gauge: Refers to the number of needles per inch, or per 2.54 cm. Higher gauges are used for finer knits, while lower gauges are suitable for heavier or looser fabrics.
• Needle bed type: Single-bed machines are used for simpler fabrics, while double-bed models can produce more complex structures such as rib or interlock knits.
• Yarn feeders: The number and type of feeders affect colour options, yarn handling and pattern complexity.
• Carriage speed: This influences cycle time and overall output, but should be assessed together with machine condition and product complexity.
• Control system: Check the software version, interface, pattern programming options and compatibility with your existing design workflow.
• Machine dimensions: Physical size and weight are important for factory layout, transport planning and access for maintenance.
• Power requirements: Electrical specifications should match your facility. Some industrial models may require a three-phase power supply.
• Condition: Inspect wear points, needles, carriage movement, electronics, lubrication, maintenance records and overall operational reliability.
• Included accessories: Check whether feeders, software, manuals, spare parts or additional components are included in the sale.

A machine with the right technical fit is more valuable than one with a strong brand name but poor compatibility with your production needs.

Applications in Textile Production

Industrial knitting equipment is used across several textile sectors because it offers precision, design flexibility and repeatable output. Common applications include:

• Garment industry: Production of sweaters, cardigans, dresses, scarves, collars, cuffs and shaped garment panels.
• Home textiles: Manufacturing of blankets, throws, cushion covers, curtains and other knitted household products.
• Technical textiles: Production of materials with functional properties, including medical textiles, orthopaedic supports, safety products, automotive textiles and industrial fabrics.
• Sportswear: Use with synthetic fibres and performance yarns for jerseys, socks and functional garment components.
• Fashion and design: Development of textures, samples, limited series and experimental patterns before scaling production.
• Education and research: Testing of new yarns, materials, garment structures and production methods in textile schools or research environments.
• Prototype development: Creation of samples and product concepts before full-scale manufacturing.

The best application depends on gauge, width, feeders, control system, software compatibility and the condition of the equipment.

How to Choose the Right Machine

Choosing the right machine means matching technical capability with real production needs. Before contacting a seller, define the products you want to make, the yarns you use, the required output and the level of automation your team can manage.

• Define your product range: A machine used for fine fashion knitwear will not necessarily suit heavier technical textiles or large home textile products.
• Match gauge and width to production needs: These two specifications strongly influence the type of fabric, stitch density and finished product dimensions.
• Check software and controls: Make sure the control system, programming method and file compatibility fit your design and production workflow.
• Review condition carefully: Ask for maintenance history, photos, operating videos, information on replaced parts and details about current working status.
• Assess support and spare parts: Brand reputation matters, but spare parts access and technical support are often decisive for long-term use.
• Compare total cost: Include purchase price, transport, installation, possible repairs, training, software access and future servicing.
• Plan the installation: Confirm space, power supply, floor access, unloading conditions and operator requirements before finalising the purchase.

The best choice is not simply the newest or cheapest model. It is the machine that fits your product requirements, production volume, technical environment and long-term business plans.

You can always use our pricing Algorithm Valorexo to estimate a fair market price.