Abstract: A device for tensioning knitted fabrics in knitting machines, particularly in large-diameter circular machines device comprises a plurality of tensioning rollers which are arranged side by side so as to contact substantially all the transverse extension of the fabric, said rollers being arranged below the needle work area of the machine. Each tensioning roller cooperates with a contrast roller which acts on the face of the fabric that is opposite to the face that makes contact with the tensioning rollers and is orientated so that its axis is parallel to the axis of the corresponding tensioning roller. There are actuators for actuating the tensioning rollers so that they rotate about their respective axes in order to apply traction to the fabric being formed. The actuators comprise, for each tensioning roller, a motor which can be actuated independently or in correlation with the actuation of the motors that actuate the other tensioning rollers.