A knitting machine with latch needles and without sinkers comprising, in regions of the needle holder comprised between two contiguous slots which accommodate a corresponding needle, a knitting retention element with a portion forming a stop shoulder for the knitting; the knitting retention element can move on command from a first position, of no interference with the knitting formed, to a second position, of it insertion with the portion between two contiguous needles in a region which faces the knitting forming plane, such as retain the knitting portion lying between two contiguous needles, contrasting the entrainment of the knitting along the needles during extraction motion of the needles from the needle holder to release, onto their shank, the previously formed loop of knitting and/or to engage the yarn delivered at a feed or drop of the machine.