GIMP and embroidery effect without additional plugins or patterns

This is as close as I could get with limited time:

1. Using your image make background transparent (cut out the background)
2. Duplicate this layer
3. Hide main layer and select dupe layer
4. Filters->Distorts->Engrave...: Height=4; Limit line width=on
5. Filters->Distorts->Emboss...: Function=Emboss; Azimuth=80; Elevation=140; Depth=5
6. Filters->Decor->Add Bevel...: Thickness=10; Work on copy=on; Keep bump layer=on
7. Show and select main layer
8. Filters->Map->Bump Map...:
   Bump map: select dupe layer
   Map type: Sinusoidal
   Compensate for darkening: on
   Invert bumpmap: on
   Tile bumpmap: off
   Azimuth: 17.56
   Elevation: 50.71
   Depth: 47
   X offset: 0
   Y offset: 0
   Waterlevel: 201
   Ambient: 193

Settings may vary depends on the original image or desired effect. I am sure there is a way of achieving a better result by tweaking and applying other effects, like shining, etc.