A review of flat knitting technology highlights the most important technical developments and trends. An important technical trend in flat bed knitting machine construction is the development of compact machines that possess all of the design advantages and automated amenities of larger, high performance models. These compact designs feature a host of advantages, such as maintenance-free cams, automatic traverse adjustment, the use of presser sinkers (for the creation of three dimensional effects), and computer control of individual needle selection, stitch length, and racking motions. The nominal working width of these smaller machines is approximately 120 centimeters. Future trends in flat bed knitting machine design will include the further development of user friendly operational interfaces and a standardization of control and programming systems.