Abstract: The effect of refining modifying pretreatment of the scutching tow on its properties was researched. The scutching tow was treated by three different methods, i.e., assistant (in hot water) + alkali treatment, the liquor of H_2SO_4 + alkali treatment, and alkali treatment. The experimental results indicated that the properties including remnant gum content, fineness and breaking strength of the scutching tow treated by pretreatment are much better than those of untreated.