Abstract: A shedding apparatus for being fitted onto a fabric-forming machine such as a loom for controlling the up and down movement of warp-carrying heddles to form a filling insertion zone. The shedding apparatus includes a computer for storing pattern information relating to a pre-determined pattern to be translated into a woven pattern on the fabric-forming machine. A plurality of pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies are attached to respective heddles for pneumatically moving the heddle attached thereto into and out of shed-forming position. Pressurized air is delivered to predetermined piston and cylinder assemblies to thereby move the selected piston and cylinder assemblies and their respective heddles into upper and lower shed-forming positions to receive a filling yarn to thereby create a portion of the pattern.