How to create faux embroidery

[Carrie30846465dfbb]

I've looked for tutorials on this. I'm not sure if it's photoshop or illustrator or a combo of both. Any ideas?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

There are at least some Actions available for stuff like this, whether the results meet your needs and expectations I cannot tell. 

https://graphicriver.net/item/realistic-embroidery-photoshop-actions/6913493?ref=BlackNull&clickthro...

https://graphicriver.net/item/embroidery-and-sewing-photoshop-tool/13693440?irgwc=1&clickid=WxGxN12x...