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 $200 million in 8 3/4% senior subordinated notes
due 2008 and to the inclusion therein and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated March 25, 1998, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated March 25, 1998, with respect to the financial statement schedule
of Polymer Group, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended January 3, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Greenville, South Carolina
June 2, 1998