The flatbed knitting machine includes opposing needle beds (V.H) with longitudinally movable needles (11,12); a carriage provided with cams (14,15,16) and sinkers (17,18; 17',18'; 17,18) having a closed position (SI), an end position (S2), an end position (S2) and an open position (SO) and movable between the needles (11,12) with the help of the cams (14,15,16) in the carriage. The sinkers (17,18,; 17',17'; 17,18) each have a hook shaped projection (25,26; 25',26') that occludes or encloses from above a side of a loop on an adjacent needle in the needle beds when the sinkers are in the closed position. ICP D04B.