Abstract: A straight bar knitting machine has a variable draw mechanism including a draw cam, means following the draw cam, a first differential input member, means for varying the ratio with which movement of the draw cam following means is transmitted to the first differential input member, a second differential input member and means for controlling the movement of the second input member so as to provide a lead of the carrier in each direction of carrier traverse. The control means include a cam mounting movable conjointly with the first differential input member, cams on the mounting of fixed throw, means for moving the cams in step with the means for varying the transmission ratio to the first differential input member and cam follower means for engaging the cams and connected to second differential input member so as to ensure that the fixed throw establishes the desired extent of carrier lead at the end of each traverse at varying draw widths.