A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.