Choosing the right knitting machine brand is a pivotal decision for mills, designers, and textile artisans. In this guide, we overview the top 10 knitting machine brands, focusing on circular knitting machines and broader knitting technology.
Discover what sets each brand apart—whether it’s automation, build quality, or after-sales service—so you make confident investments in textile machinery.
1.Mayer & Cie (Germany)
A global leader in industrial circular knitting machines, Mayer & Cie has built a stellar reputation for advanced fabric machine solutions.
Highlights:
•Over 50 machine models, including the latest Relanit series
•Combines high-speed performance with smart knitting functions.
•Ideal for high-volume knitwear and technical fabrics.
Mayer & Cie machines lead in innovation, reliability, and tight-knit build quality—a top pick for serious textile producers.
2.Orizio (Italy)
Orizio specializes in large-diameter circular knitting machines, designed with direct customer input.
Highlights:
•Over 60 years of expertise in circular machines
•Strong focus on collaborative machine design and customization.
•Great for specialty pipe-knitting and unique tubular fabrics.
Their flexible approach and strong local presence make Orizio a go-to brand for niche fabric applications.
3.Tompkins USA (USA)
Tompkins USA is a veteran in the circular knitting machine sector and parts supply.
Highlights:
•Established in 1846, with a wide range of machines (3"–26" diameter) ( ).
•Prioritizes machine reliability and low-energy operation.
•Provides extensive spare parts and U.S-based support.
Ideal for North American mills wanting domestic tooling with legacy expertise.
4.Flying Tiger (Taiwan)
Flying Tiger has gained a solid reputation for hand-driven circular knitting machines and entry-level electronic units.
Highlights:
•Combines Japanese and Taiwanese tech ( ).
•Well-known for excellent value and consistency.
•Popular across global markets from Mexico to Africa.
Great for mid-tier applications like schoolwear, caps, and small-batch tubular fabrics.
6.Stoll (Germany)
Stoll is a world-class name in flatbed knitting machines and complete garment knitting systems.
Highlights:
•Excels in fashion tech with digital jacquard and seamless garment knitting ( ).
•Invested heavily in innovation and after-sales service.
•Strong research presence, often a source of industry trend leadership.
An excellent choice for mills focused on circular knitting and high-end knitting technology.
7.Santoni (Italy/China)
Santoni is a global leader in seamless and circular knitting technology, especially for multifunctional garments.
Highlights:
•Known for large-diameter circular machines ( ).
•Machines support high-speed, multi-feed knitting—1.1 m/s output.
•Used extensively in Europe and Asia.
For high-output apparel and sportswear, Santoni stands out with strong technical support.
8.Terrot (Germany)
With over 150 years of history, Terrot excels in electronic and mechanical circular machinery.
Highlights:
•Offers top-tier electronic circular knitting ( ).
•Known for durability, warranties, and computerized controls.
Perfect for mills wanting a tech-forward machine with strong German engineering.
9. NSI (USA)
NSI is best known for educational- and beginner-level circular knitting machines.
Highlights:
•Designed for simple, hands-on knitting education ( ).
•Affordable, lightweight, ideal for entry users and classrooms.
Great value for hobbyists, libraries, schools, and knitting studios beginning their training journey.
10.Shima Seiki (Japan)
Shima Seiki is a global authority in flat-bed and seamless knitting, especially with its WHOLEGARMENT™ systems.
Highlights:
•Pioneers of complete garment knitting technology
•Digital-first – combines software and CNC precision in design and execution.
A go-to for fashion tech studios requiring seamless garment production with minimal waste.
11.Fukuhara (Japan)
Shima Seiki is a global authority in flat-bed and seamless knitting, especially with its WHOLEGARMENT™ systems.
Highlights:
•Pioneers of complete garment knitting technology
•Digital-first – combines software and CNC precision in design and execution.
A go-to for fashion tech studios requiring seamless garment production with minimal waste.
Additional Mentions Worth Knowing
While our top 10 brands dominate, several other players shape the landscape:
•Brother Industries – Known for knitting and sewing machines, with solid industrial reach
•Silver Reed – Offers wide home and small-scale flat-bed and circular units (yarn-store.com).
•Groz-Beckert – Specialist in circular knitting components like cylinders and needles (en.wikipedia.org).
Complete garment pioneers – Shima Seiki and Stoll lead in eliminating seams and improving sustainability (en.wikipedia.org).
Each brand appeals to different segments—entry-level hobbyists, fashion-tech innovators, and heavy-industry producers alike.
How to Evaluate a Knitting Machine Brand
Use these lenses to identify your ideal knitting machine partner:
1.Production Scale & Needle Diameter – Single jersey (standard gauge) vs. jumbo circular.
2.Gauge & Fabric Capability – Check machine specs for fiber suitability.
3.Automation & Knitting Technology – Does the machine support electronic jacquard or patterning?
4.After-sales Support & Spare Parts – Domestic support can minimize downtime.
5.Energy Efficiency & ESG Standards – Newer platforms offer sustainable operations.
6.Software Integration – Brands like Shima Seiki offer virtual sampling tools.
7.Total Cost of Ownership – Longer warranties and low-cost parts add value.
Check our Buying Guide: Picking Your Circular Knitting Machine and Textile Machinery Review Hub for deeper comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s a circular knitting machine, and how's it different?
A: A circular knitting machine knits in tubes, ideal for socks and hats. A flatbed machine knits flat fabric panels.
Q: Which brands are best for home vs industrial use?
A:Home – Silver Reed, NSI, Addi.
Industrial – Mayer & Cie, Santoni, Fukuhara, Terrot, Shima Seiki.
Q: Are used machines a good option?
Yes, especially for mature models with spare parts. But beware of hidden maintenance issues. Newer models often have IoT and energy saving features.
Final Thoughts
The "Top 10 Knitting Machines Brands You Should Know About" includes global leaders in knitting machinery—from Mayer & Cie’s industrial-grade circular machines to Shima Seiki’s seamless garment innovation.
Match your needs—whether it's gauge, production volume, or automation level—to the brand strength. Pay close attention to after-sales support and total cost of ownership, and pair your machine investment with resources like our Textile Machinery Blog and Circular Machine ROI Calculator.
The right knitting machine brand can drive profit margins, elevate your production floor, and future-proof your textile operation.
Let me know if you'd like deeper brand comparisons or downloadable PDF summaries!
Post time: Jun-23-2025