<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE DIXIE GROUP, INC. AT AND FOR
THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-30-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-2000
<CASH>                                           3,614
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   27,205
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,044
<INVENTORY>                                    122,427
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               169,533
<PP&E>                                         330,741
<DEPRECIATION>                                 144,038
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 436,174
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           90,367
<BONDS>                                        196,011
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        45,067
<OTHER-SE>                                      69,065
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   436,174
<SALES>                                        414,786
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               414,786
<CGS>                                          333,647
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  333,647
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              12,618
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (5,837)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (2,231)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (3,606)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (3,606)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (0.31)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.31)