A computer-implemented method for generating thread stitch coloring data for an in-line thread coloring process, comprising: obtaining first thread stitch coloring data based on a digital representation that is to be produced as a decorative thread pattern; obtaining at least one thread color boundary defining a color change from a first color to a second color; determining residual stitch data based on the at least one thread color boundary being indicative of a number of residual stitches required in order to carry out said color change in an in-line thread coloring process; and generating second thread stitch coloring data based on the residual stitch data such that the color change of the first thread stitch coloring data is accounted for in the in-line thread coloring process.

A computer-implemented method for generating thread stitch coloring data for an in-line thread coloring process, comprising: obtaining first thread stitch coloring data based on a digital representation that is to be produced as a decorative thread pattern; obtaining at least one thread color boundary defining a color change from a first color to a second color; determining residual stitch data based on the at least one thread color boundary being indicative of a number of residual stitches required in order to carry out said color change in an in-line thread coloring process; and generating second thread stitch coloring data based on the residual stitch data such that the color change of the first thread stitch coloring data is accounted for in the in-line thread coloring process.