Abstract: A drive for a circular knitting machine (10) used in the manufacture of panty hose blanks, using a one-way clutch (A) in the drive connection which permits a main drive shaft (16) to be rotated in one direction but does not permit it to be rotated in the opposite direction. The knitting machine may also be driven while the main power source is at rest, that is, the knitting machine may over-run or coast to a stop after the power source has been disconnected and the needle cylinder may be revolved manually during set up. The one-way clutch (A) comprises a clutch body (30) which is connected to the main drive shaft (16) and fits within an outer race (28) of an input drive sheave (20) which is driven by a suitable power source.