The days of knitting sweaters by hand might soon be over. A new digital knitting machine allows budding fashion designers to "print" clothes, just like a 3D printer creates plastic objects. London-based Kniterate hopes to empower designers working on low budgets. ‍

Users create their garment designs with Kniterate's software or similar digital design programs.

They're then inserted into Kniterate using a memory card, and users simply press "go" to begin the knitting process.

Kniterate uses hundreds of computer-controlled needles to create the loops needed to knit garments.

Most garments can be made in a couple of hours. Some, like scarves or beanies, will come out ready to wear. Others, like a sweater, will require some assembly afterwards.

London-based footwear designer Dr. Matthew Head used Kniterate's digital desktop knitting machine to create these intricately-stitched blue, red and white sneakers.

The smart technology only uses the exact amount of yarn required, meaning less wastage compared to traditional methods.

It costs 4,700 US dollars to pre-order a Kniterate knitting machine, due for delivery in April 2018.

At such a price, it's unlikely to be a viable option for hobbyists, and is aimed more at independent designers or retail stores. But a cheaper, smaller version may be developed in the future.

One legal issue could arise when digital designers "print" their own version of a well-known branded garment instead of buying one, thereby potentially infringing on copyright laws.

Similar issues have arisen in relation to 3D-printing, and the industry is still pondering how to deal with such challenges.