Exhibit 23






                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. of our report dated January 31, 1997, included in the
1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8, Nos. 33-44703, 33-59149, and 33- 44705 and Form S-3, No. 33-52325)
pertaining to the Director Stock Option Plan of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc., the
1995 Employee Stock Option Plan of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc., the Stock Option
Agreement between Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. and James M. Fitzgibbons and the $3.00
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively, and in the related
Prospectuses of our report dated January 31, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements incorporated herein by reference in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.





                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Greensboro, North Carolina
March 28, 1997


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