Graft copolymerization of acrylate monomers, e.g., methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate, onto bleached sulfonated jute-cotton-blended fabric was carried Out in an aqueous medium, using potassium persulfate as an initiator tinder the catalytic influence of ferrous Sulfate in a nitrogen atmosphere. The parameter variables, e.g., concentrations of monomer, potassium persulfate, ferrous Sulfate, reaction time, and reaction temperature, directly influenced the percent graft yield. The percent graft yield increased to a certain value in each variable, and the percent graft yield of methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate was about 15.9 and 17.1%, respectively. Polymer grafting was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. Grafting improved the thermal stability, protected from photo-oxidative degradation, decreased the dyeability, and had positive impact on fastness characteristics. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.