There is provided an apparatus (1000) for colouring threaded material. The apparatus includes a drive member (1012) configured to rotate at least one take-up spool (1014), and a primary thread guide (1016) comprising a passage (1018) configured to guide a threaded material (1120) as the threaded material is wound onto the at least one take-up spool (1014). The primary thread guide (1016) further comprises a receptacle (1020) adapted to receive a marking device (1030), and the receptacle (1020) is configured to dispose a colorant-delivering portion of the marking device against the threaded material.