Cutwork
Cutwork is similar to applique, but instead of sewing additional fabric onto a base fabric, portions of the base fabric are cut away, leaving decorative openings as part of the design. A satin stitch around the cut edges keeps the fabric from fraying. Cutwork has been around for centuries and is traditionally stitched by hand; however, in this age of technology, it can be stitched quickly and easily using the embroidery machine.
To sew cutwork projects using the embroidery machine, look for an appropriate design. Many are available for purchase, but it is easy to create them yourself. Any design with a void in it can be used for cutwork as long as the "empty" area is surrounded by stitching.
To digitize an embroidery design for cutwork, first make a pattern for cutting by creating a walking stitch (straight stitch) around the areas to be cut away. This must be the first line sewn, so that it can be used as a cutting line, stabilizing the edges of the void after the fabrics is cut away.
Next. digitize the remainder of the remainder of the design, covering the cutting lines with satin stitching.