Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing a carboxylic acid cross-linking agent. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products produced are economic and possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, absorption characteristics, low fines, low nits and low knots. The invention also includes blended cellulose compositions comprising a minor proportion of cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers and a major proportion of other cellulosic fibers. The invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers of high purity.