Methacrylic acid (MAA) - ethyl acrylate (EA) - ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM)/N, N'- methylene bisacrylamide (MBAM) polymers of different compositions were used as synthetic thickeners in pigment printing of cotton. Crosslinked polymers with different feed ratios were synthesized and their printing behavior was compared with the conventional kerosene emulsion thickener and a commercial synthetic thickener Alcoprint PTF in terms of color value, back penetration, wash, rub (dry and wet) and scrub fastness, and handle of the fabric. Methacrylic acid-based thickeners (solid content 4%), when used as a substitute for kerosene emulsion, produced prints with a harsh feel. Therefore, partial substitution of kerosene emulsion (60-80%) was tried and a significant improvement in the handle of fabric was observed.