Abstract: In flat-bed knitting machines and the like, where a plurality of machine levers are used to determine the type of stitch and pattern of the fabric being produced, the positioning of these levers is determined by solenoid-operated elements providing programmable stops for the machine levers. The knitting pattern is determined by the particular solenoids which are energized, which in turn is controlled by a program contained in an integrated circuit memory such as a PROM (programmable read only memory). The program and hence the pattern can be instantly changed by re-programming the PROM or by plugging in a different PROM.