Abstract: A process for knitting a composite piece or panel on a straight bar knitting machine with double needle bed, provided with a presser foot device that is adjustable to operate at either of two preselected levels, each level corresponding to a level suitable for rib or jersey knitting, the piece or panel comprising at least one area of jersey knitting and one area of rib border knitting, characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of starting a first knitting operation with the presser foot at the most appropriate level for the first area of knitting to be manufactured (rib or jersey); subsequently locating the presser foot at a second level which is adapted to the second area of knitting (jersey or rib) and continuing the knitting operation without interrupting the overall knitting operation of the machine to knit the other area of the piece or panel.