Abstract: A dobby apparatus is provided for use with hand looms for automatically controlling the lifting sequence of a plurality of shaft assemblies in accordance with a predetermined weaving program. The dobby apparatus has a dobby operating drive mechanism connected to a dobby operating arm for pivoting the dobby operating arm downwardly from a neutral position and returning it to the neutral position during each dobby operating cycle. A plurality of dobby hook pairs are mounted in a transfer position when the dobby operating arm is in the neutral position. Each of the plurality of dobby hook pairs are connected to a different one of the plurality of shafts. A plurality of dobby hook positioner assemblies contact the dobby hook pairs to laterally transfer both of the dobby hooks in each of the pairs between capture positions in the dobby operating arm.