Filling "Complex" vector with background image

[ThomasJ88]

I have a line image drawing that I would like to fill with a camouflage type pattern that I currently have in .png. I understand that by using clipping mask on a simple vector I can fill a simple vector path with my pattern, so by applying that concept I converted my line drawing to a vector, which is now a combination of multiple paths by using image trace, ignoring white to get rid of the bound box. I then make a compound path, selecting place to add my pattern to the tab, send my pattern to the back using arrange, and then selecting both layers with my vector in front I apply clipping mask. Instead of the inside of the vector being filled with the pattern, it turns the lines that were black into the camo pattern. I must be missing something obvious, but I'm fairly new to illustrator so any help is much appreciated!

[Monika Gause]

Please post a screenshot of this. Preview as well as outline mode (View > Outline) Please use the forum's web interface for posting the images.

[ThomasJ88]

Pictured are the final results in preview and outline. The image is originally a black line drawing. I am looking to fill what the white in this with the tan camouflauge background that has now replaced the black line, and retain the black line drawing. The last attachment is what I am refering to, but I do not want the background extending past the line drawing.

[michelew83603738]

I would select all, convert to live paint and then the white part (which I believe is what you want to put the camo in) you could select with the live paint selection tool and then fill with the camo. 

[SJRiegel]

What I would do 

copy just the outermost stroke, and use Paste in Back to put it directly under the main drawing. Place the camouflage pattern under that path. 

Select the outline path and the camo pattern, and use Object > Clipping Path > Make to trim the camo to the skull shape. The full drawing with the black lines will be above, so you will get the effect you are going for.

[ThomasJ88]

The process that I used to get to this point is:

Open PNG Image in Illustrator

In Image Trace Tab:

Advanced > Ignore White

Trace

Image Trace > Expand

Object > Compound Path > Make

File > Place > Select desired image for background

Click desired background image > Arrange > Send to Back

Select All > Clipping Mask > Make

[SJRiegel · Accepted solution]

Instead of Select All, make a copy of the outer stroke only, and use it for your clipping path. The clipped pattern can then sit below your black outlined art.

[ThomasJ88]

Awesome, that is exactly what I was going for! Thank you so much for the help!!