SYNOPSISEasy-care finishing of cotton fabrics invariably results in the loss of mechanical properties of the fabrics. There have been many attempts from time to time by different workers to reduce the above loss in the mechanical properties. But the problem is yet to be resolved satisfactorily. As the uniform distribution of cross-links in the resin-finished structure of cellulose is the key for achieving a better balance of mechanical properties, the present work aims a t a suitable modification of the cellulose matrix to achieve the goal. The paper reports the mechanical properties of the modified and cross-linked cotton yarn. The crosslinked samples of the modification treatment involving swelling the yarn a t normal stretch with 20% NaOH and partially acetylating without washing off the alkali have displayed higher tenacity, elongation, and toughness, with better easy-care properties as compared to the control.