Abstract: An interpolymer that is substantially devoid of formaldehyde and that does not evolve formaldehyde nor decomposes to produce any substantial amount of formaldehyde, is used in the production of impregnated or treated paper, woven and nonwoven fabrics. The interpolymer is produced in latex form by polymerizing in the presence of water, an emulsifier and in initiator, a monomer charge containing at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a N-alkylol amide of an alpha, beta ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid where the alkylol group contains at least two carbon atoms. Alternatively, the N-alkylol amide can be produced in situ by the reaction of amide of an alpha, beta ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid with the corresponding aldehyde to give the desired N-alkylol amide having at least two carbon atoms in the alkylol group.