EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated March 4, 1997, in Pre-effective Amendment Number 1
to the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-34519) and related Prospectus
of Pen-Tab Industries, Inc. for the Offer to Exchange its Series B 10 7/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 for any and all of its outstanding 10 7/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.     
 
                                                  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Vienna, Virginia
   
May 6, 1997