An automatic winding and doffing apparatus of a circular knitting machine includes a winding unit (4) that revolves synchronously with the cylinder of the circular knitting machine. The apparatus includes opposed winding apparatus frame arms (16,17). A fabric winding roll (21) 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 preferred embodiment, the other winding roll end is freely supported by a turning lever (28) 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 (28) to pivot and disengage from the winding roller (21).