A new dissolving process (two-step dissolving process), that is, cellulose was first swelled to the maximum in aqueous 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) solution, and then dissolved by stirring under vacuum to remove excessive water, was developed to prepare the cellulose/[BMIM]Cl spinning dope with high quality. The results showed that the initial water contents in [BMIM]Cl have great influence on the swelling and dissolution of cellulose, and the suitable swelling range of aqueous [BMIM]Cl solution, in which cellulose can be swollen but not dissolved, was 25% water content. In this range, the higher water content in aqueous [BMIM]Cl solution, the more swelling time would be taken for cellulose to reach the maximal swelling ratio. Based on these results, cellulose/[BMIM]Cl spinning dopes were prepared by using two-step dissolving process. In the range of our experiments, cellulose spinning dopes prepared by the two-step dissolving process had better properties, such as fewer particles, lower apparent viscosity, and higher uniformity, compared with the direct dissolving process. By using this new dissolving process, the spinning performance of cellulose/[BMIM]Cl dopes was improved, and the mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose fibers were better than those prepared by the direct dissolving process. Therefore, it is a good way to prepare cellulose/[BMIM]Cl spinning dopes by using the new dissolving process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. (C) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers