Patent attributes
Computerized methods of creating embroidery including capturing embroidery instructions, receiving instructions at an embroidery engine, creating planned patterns of stitches, and outputting instructions for stitching, including instructions for printing colors onto a thread before stitching. Color may be printed in a gradient or gradually faded, for example, from a start color to an end color, or from a start color to an intermediate color and from the intermediate color to an end color. Color may be gradually faded from a start location to an end location or from a start location to an intermediate location and from the intermediate location to an end location. Varying shades of colors may be printed, patterns may be repeated, outlines, segments, and vectors may be used, and intermediate stitch color may be determined based on number of stitches or vector length. Some embodiments allow a user to change embroidery instructions while reapplying unchanged instructions.