An end yarn inserting device that is so constructed that an end yarn hook can be put into action only when necessary but otherwise be retreated to such a position in the vicinity of a needle bed gap as to avoid interfering with knitting members including a yarn feeder and knitting needles. The end yarn inserting device includes guide rails, an end yarn inserting portion including an end yarn hook, and first and second control portions for controllably moving the end yarn hook to a desired position on the needle bed in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, wherein an end yarn hook having a hook portion for retaining a cross-over yarn thereon and an end yarn hook presser foot having a presser foot portion are superposed on each other and swingably journaled around a journal portion provided on a base sidably supported on the guide rail; wherein the end yarn hook and the end yarn hook presser foot are so arranged as to be swung between their retreated positions and their lowered positions in association with the second control portion; and wherein control means for permitting back and forth swinging motions of the hook portion and the hook presser foot are provided between the end yarn hook and the base.