I think this is a full-cover cross stitch so the color of the material you use would not matter.

However, regarding the pumpkins face: if the material behind were dark, a little would show through even if you were to increase the floss strands. I learned this from experience from another picture I did. Also, the dark material was hard on my eyes, and I told myself, never again! Hopefully you have young eyes😃

Adele

My eyes are not young either, have never done a full cover cross stitch. It must be very hard.

Its not hard at all and the look is incredible - just takes longer - some well over a year

I love this picture and wish I could do it myself. You can do it! It just takes longer to do, but worth every minute of stitching once you see it done. Just work on it little by little. And to relieve any frustration, I take breaks from my big project and do a small one now and then.

What size would this be in 18c

dpg47, First click on the "cross stitch fabric" then go to the calculator shown on the left and put in the width and length of the pattern (17.1 x 21.4) and then use the arrow and scroll down to the size fabric you want to use = 18 count. It will show you the size of fabric to buy. Be sure to leave about 3 inches on all 4 sides for framing, etc.