This is a large, fully stitched design meaning that the black background you see you will be stitching. You can use any color and count of fabric you wish, but I would select a count/color combination that you feel comfortable stitching on due to its size 20"x17" (remember to add an additional 6" to each side for framing) and the amount of time that will be required to stitch it. Happy stitching.

Since it is stitched solid, it really doesn't matter what color fabric that you use. I wouldn't use anything bright so that it doesn't show through the stitches. I'm working on a Mystic Stitch pattern and using an Ivory fabric. White could be a little too bright for your pattern and could show through also. I wouldn't use anything too dark, especially black as it is harder to work on. Make it easy on your eyes to stitch.