Issue when creating swatch from a pattern

[VeroKovacs]

Hello,

I'm doing a pattern design course and trying to add the pattern I created to the Swatch panel. The instructions are to select the background, click Command C, then Command B to create copy in the back, select no fill on the back layer. Then select all and drag to the Swatch panel. When I do this it does create a swatch but when I want to use it to populate a square for example, it shows all the elements that were initially outside the background when editing. I can't figure it out I followed all the instructions. Beginner here so sorry if it's something super obvious. Attached a screenshot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Ton Frederiks]

In your screenshot it looks like you did not select the entire pattern (the bounding box would have included the leaves outside the box).

[VeroKovacs]

Thanks for your reply Ton, what you see highlighted is when I'm trying to use the swatch as a fill. When I added it to the swatch menu I selected everything as instructed. The problem is that when using the swatch the pattern doesn't stay inside the shape. Sorry, complete beginner here. 

[Monika Gause]

That beige thing in the background - what is it? An image?  And should it be included in the pattern?

If so, you need to draw a rectangle in the size of that beige thing.

That rectangle needs to have no fill and no stroke

And it needs to be behind everything.

Then select the beige thing, the greenthings and that rectangle and drag it into the swatches panel.

[Ton Frederiks]

How do you use the swatch? Do you select a rectangle and click the swatch with the fill targeted?

This says group, did you drag it?