Knitting machines market seen hitting $9.7 billion by 2033

By AI, Created 4:30 AM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Persistence Market Research projects the global knitting machines market will grow from $6.1 billion in 2026 to $9.7 billion by 2033. The report points to rising adoption of computerized systems, seamless knitting and 3D knitting across apparel, sportswear and technical textiles.

Why it matters: - Textile makers are adopting automation to improve production speed, fabric quality and flexibility. - Demand is expanding beyond apparel into sportswear, technical textiles, medical textiles, automotive textiles and industrial fabrics. - The shift toward computerized, seamless and 3D knitting is also aimed at cutting material waste and shortening production cycles.

What happened: - Persistence Market Research said the global knitting machines market will be worth $6.1 billion in 2026 and reach $9.7 billion by 2033. - The forecast implies a 6.9% compound annual growth rate during the period. - The report identifies fully automatic computerized knitting machines as a major growth driver across apparel and technical textile manufacturing. - Circular knitting machines remain the largest product segment because of high production speed and broad use in garment manufacturing.

The details: - The market is segmented by machine type, application and end-user industry. - Machine types include circular knitting machines, flat knitting machines, warp knitting machines and computerized knitting systems. - Flat knitting machines are increasingly used for customized garments and seamless knitwear. - Warp knitting machines are gaining traction in technical textile applications. - Apparel manufacturing remains the largest application segment because of global fashion demand and fast-changing consumer preferences. - Sportswear and athleisure are adding demand as fitness awareness and interest in comfortable fabrics rise. - Knitted textiles are also being used in medical implants, automotive interiors, filtration products and industrial safety materials. - Asia Pacific leads the market because of its large textile base, lower production costs and major apparel exports from China, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam. - Europe is a major market for premium textile machinery and innovation, with Germany and Italy highlighted as key countries. - North America is growing steadily on demand for technical textiles, sportswear and smart fabrics. - The Middle East and Africa are emerging as potential markets as textile investment rises in developing economies.

Between the lines: - High upfront costs remain a barrier for small and medium-sized textile manufacturers considering computerized knitting machines. - Raw material price swings and supply chain disruptions can still pressure production and equipment demand. - The report suggests the next competitive edge will come from sustainable production, smart textiles and Industry 4.0 features such as IoT-enabled systems and AI-based monitoring. - Recent product launches are focusing on higher precision, lower energy consumption and reduced textile waste.

What’s next: - Manufacturers are expected to keep investing in seamless and 3D knitting technologies to support sustainable apparel production. - Adoption of automated and digitally connected knitting systems is likely to increase as labor costs rise in major manufacturing hubs. - The report expects technical textiles, wearable fabrics and eco-friendly knitting solutions to create new growth opportunities. - Persistence Market Research offered a free sample, customization request and full report purchase option.

The bottom line: - The knitting machines market is moving from traditional apparel equipment to a broader automation story, with Asia Pacific, computerized systems and technical textiles driving the next phase of growth.