Abstract: The fully-fashioned knitting technique of four-bed computerized flat knitting machine has been a hot topic during the development of flat knitting technology. The development history of four-needle bed computerized flat knitting machine and related CAD software was reviewed in this paper. And it found out that the Shima Seiki company alone possesses all the proven four-needle bed computerized flat knitting machines and CAD software on market, i.e. the MACH series of machines and the Knit module under SDSONE APPEX 3 system. Meanwhile, the CAD process of fully-fashioned garment was analyzed, and the traits and requirements of fully-fashioned garment CAD were indicated, which would undoubtedly establish a solid foundation for further exploring fully-fashioned technique.

Key words: four-bed computerized flat knitting machine; fully-fashioned garment; package; compressed pattern; developed pattern