This is an Artecy pattern and those are generally cover-alls (the entire background and image is stitched. There are two schools of thought in stitching a dark subject like this; some people like white or light fabric as it is easier to see/stitch on. Others like dark fabric as not as much of it shows through the stitching on a dark image like this, so you don't see little flecks of light in the panther's coat, for example.

There is another option, and that is to choose a fabric you really like, maybe one with a variegated or overdyed background, and not stitch the background of the pattern.

Hello,

You should now see all of the supplies and sizing dimensions for this design on our website. Artecy designs are full coverage so you can use any fabric that you choose for their designs :) 14ct. White Aida is our default setting for designs like that so that's what you will see listed there.

~Kristi @ ECS

A variegated fabric would look fabulous with this design. Stunning picture.

Wow. This picture is captivating. I guess if I were to do it, I would try a gray fabric. Working with black fabric is so hard for me.

I agree with the previous stitcher. I would probably go with a super-dark grey and not stitch the background. A major problem with using a white or even light gray is that there will be little flecks of the lighter color showing thru unless you get really good coverage of the fabric with the floss. It's almost inevitable. And, these days, you can get almost any stitch size of fabric in almost any color. Check out this website and see what you can find that you might like.

quilterangel is correct regarding the little tiny specks of fabric possibly showing through. But I just learned one thing (after all these years) especially since a lot of stitchers are noticing how the DMC floss is getting "thinner". I'm ignoring what is recommended as to how many strands of floss is suggested on the pattern. I've got a LARGE project that recommends two strands of floss for the project, but I'm doing it on 25-cound Lugana evenweave, OVER TWO, so before I began the project, I tried going over two on the Lugana; first with two strands of floss, then with 3 strands of floss. The 3 stands of floss won out with much better coverage and I hardly have any "tiny specks" showing through of the "antique white" fabric. Of course, I have to double up on the amount of skeins of floss I will need, but I don't like the "specks"! Made up my mind to "experiment" with any and all future projects like this and the heck with the "number of floss strands" suggestions. It's now is "what-gives-the-best-coverage" determination.