Hello alice0808, This is a very nice picture. I just used the "fabric calculator" to our left to see what size it would be on 40 count....the design would be 6.9" x 9.2". Sounds like that would work. We have a "veteran" Stitcher who visits this chat room called Bermuda. As I recall, she has never made anything on 40 count linen but has said she might be tempted someday! Let us know how you make out with this!

Hi Alice,
This is Bermuda! Jerseycrafter is correct! Let us know what it's like stitching on 40-count AND WHAT ARE YOU USING TO SEE WHERE TO PUT THE NEEDLE THRU THE FABRIC???f!!!! :)

Usually on 40 ct. You only do half cross stitches. I have a real good light with a magnifying glass in the center of the circular light! Gotta do it before you lose it!

Kudos to you!! 40 count is really tiny! I've gone as small as 32 count and needed to take my contacts out so I could see it. That's a very complicated design to do that small. Your biggest problem is going to be thread stopping and starting and any carry ovwer you need to do. Good luck

Will you stitch over two?

No, it will be over one...the goal is to get it as small as possible. I love miniatures!

Seems like the backstitch would be too heavy over one. Do you do it differently when stitching this small?

Actually, I haven't had a problem. It's been a while since I've done 40 ct but previously, no concerns as long as I don't mess up counting (sheepish grin).

I believe I would need a jeweler's magnifying eye piece, for each eye, to do 40-count.
Is doing a full cross stitch just too bulky for the fabric and that's why only the half-cross stitch?
Do you happen to know what the magnification STRENGTH of your magnifier is that you are using? I would be curious, (ok I'm nosey!) to know....:)

When using 1 strand of floss, you would only be able to do 1/2 cross otherwise the fabric would get distorted and no good comes from that. I have a Daylight lamp which I believe has a 10x magnifying glass.