14 count is what I use all the time its not to big and not to small. just remember the smaller the number count gets the bigger it will be. and the higher the number count the smaller it gets, and this is where you will need a magnifying glass to see it, and a good light. usually when you work on a pattern that has a high number its for really hard and intricate work where there is a lot of half stitches and quarter stitches etc. good luck anyway