Microstructural changes in porous cordierite caused by machining were characterized using microtensile testing, X-ray computed tomography, and scanning electron microscopy. Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios were determined on similar to 215- to 380-mu m-thick machined samples by combining digital image correlation and microtensile loading. The results provide evidence for an increase in microcrack density and decrease of Young's modulus due to machining of the thin samples extracted from diesel particulate filter honeycombs. This result is in contrast to the known effect of machining on the strength distribution of bulk, monolithic ceramics.