Mercerization of Tencel yarns using different alkali hydroxides (such as LiOH , Na OH and KOH) under different tension had been studied. The influences of concentration of alkali agents, treating temperature and duration on mercerization of alkali agents, treating temperature and duration on mercerization were investigated. The barium activity number (abbr. BAN values) and colour ability (K/S values) of Tencel yarns had the tendency to increase with the concentration of alkali solutions increased. In addition, Inducing yarns shrinkage in width and length which is not the tension applied. The barium activity and colour ability of Tencel yarns had tendency to increase with the treating temperature and tension decrease. The best effectiveness of alkali hydroxides for BAN value is KOH.