an automatic winding and doffing apparatus of a circular knitting machine includes a winding unit that revolves synchronously with the cylinder of the circular knitting machine . the apparatus includes opposed winding apparatus frame arms . a fabric winding roll has one roll end pivotally mounted on one of the arms . a guide mechanism guides the knitted fabric to the winding roll . the fabric roll is stopped after a predetermined amount of fabric has been wound . a doffing apparatus doffs the fabric from the winding roll after a predetermined amount of fabric has been wound on the fabric roll . in a preferred embodiment , the other winding roll end is freely supported by a turning lever pivotally mounted on the frame . upon pivoting movement of the lever arm , the winding roller may be moved from a home , winding position to an unloading , doffing position in which the other end of the winding roller is removed from the support arm . a lock mechanism operatively connects to the turning lever for locking the turning lever in a position in which the turning lever supports the winding roller in the home , winding position and for unlocking the turning lever to allow the turning lever to pivot and disengage from the winding roller .