EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Polymer Group,
Inc. for the registration of $400 million in 9% senior subordinated notes due
2007 and to the inclusion therein and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated January 23, 1997, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated January 23, 1997, with respect to the financial statement
schedule of Polymer Group, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 28, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Greenville, South Carolina
July 30, 1997