Abstract: A flat knitting machine which can carry out changing of knock over timing and changing of an elevating amount of a needle, in which a knock-over plate provided at its extreme end with a loop pressing plate having an end edge in contact with a knitting yarn is inserted into a bottom of a needle groove of a head portion of a needle bed so that the knock over plate can be slidably moved in a direction of forward and backward movement of a needle. Further, a knock over plate cam for operating the knock over plate in engagement with the knock over plate is provided on a carriage, and the knock over plate is moved forward and backward by the cam.