(57) A fabric pick-up device which separates single layers from a stack of fabric layers comprises a mounting plate (1) by which it may be secured to a table (2), an angled bracket (6) extending the full width of the device, and a pickup assembly (8). The pickup assembly (8) is supplied with compressed air to operate three double-acting pneumatic cylinders (20,21,22). Two pickup plates (29, 30) have on their lower surfaces needles (39, 40 respectively). Operation of the cylinders (20, 21) causes the plates to be pivoted between a standby position, a pickup position in which a fabric layer is picked up on the needles, and a release position by means of a cam plate (53). Operation of cylinder (22) causes the pickup assembly to be raised so that the fabric layer picked up may be separated from the needles (39, 40).