Structural changes of cellulosic fibres during the papermaking process were studied by analysis of FTIR spectra collected by the transmission method. The spectra were obtained from a carefully prepared handsheet, using a special infra-red (IR) cell suitable for evacuating the sample. The deconvolution technique was also applied for sharpening the FTIR spectra in the frequency range of the OH and CH stretching bands, which gave detailed information on the structural changes of cellulose. The intensity of some bands was decreased by predrying the sample as a result of the removal of adsorbed moisture. An increase in intensity of some bands in the frequency range of 3700 to $3200cm^{-1}$ was shown at a higher beating level. This increase in intensity was caused by changes in the crystal domain of cellulose resulting from the exposure of the crystalline area on the fibre surface.