A control unit for pneumatic actuation of a cylinder, in particular an active creel of a textile-processing machine or a cabling machine, having a compressed air inlet for connecting a compressed air supply, a working air outlet for operating the cylinder, which acts at least on one side, a valve unit arranged between the compressed air inlet and the working air outlet, and an operating element for opening the valve unit to trigger a lifting movement of the cylinder. In order to provide a control unit for pneumatic actuation of an active creel, the actuation of the creel being particularly simple by the control unit, so that an operator can use the creel more easily, quickly and safely, and in addition the creel is protected from damage by incorrect operation, the control unit for achieving a self-retaining valve function, in which the lifting movement of the cylinder is fully executed with a single and/or brief actuation of the operating element, and for the control unit is connected to an end position sensor of the cylinder such that, when the end position sensor is activated, the valve unit is closed and/or the cylinder connected to the working air outlet is automatically depressurized when or after an end position is reached.