The present invention includes a lithography method comprising forming a first patterned insist layer including at least one opening therein over a substrate. A water-soluble polymer layer is formed over the first patterned resist layer and the substrate, whereby a reaction occurs at the interface of the first patterned resist layer and the water-soluble polymer layer. The non-reacted water-soluble polymer layer is removed. Thereafter, a second patterned resist layer is formed over the substrate, wherein at least one portion of the second patterned resist layer is disposed within the at least one opening of the first patterned resist layer or abuts at least one portion of the first patterned resist layer. The substrate is thereafter etched using the first and second patterned resist layers as a mask.