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In
my never-ending quest of finding ways to manipulate fabric, I
happened to discover this technique. It only works with firmly
woven fabrics (like cottons) that don't tend to ravel very much.
Since I work with this type of fabric the majority of the time,
it was easy to find a variety of ways to use this method of design.
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STEP 1
You will be making straight cuts in your fabric. These can vary from 1½" to 3" in length, with 2½" being the optimal length to work with. Pretty simple concept, the "design" happens in how you place those cuts.
Start with a scrap of fabric to practice and learn the technique. Make several cuts in your scrap approx. 2½" long. Keep them spaced apart about 1" for practice purposes.
Now roll the raw edges of the cuts to the wrong side. You may find it easier to work at your ironing board and simply press the edge to the wrong side. You will notice that the cut will form a oval shape. The center of the cut will spread open more, while the ends taper to the raw edge. You should see about 1/8" of edge turned under. Try and get as much of the raw edge turned under without causing it of pucker. This just takes a little practice.
Right side of fabric ....... Wrong side of fabric
Now pick another scrap of fabric that has a high contrast. Place this under your split fabric. Pin in place. With your sewing machine set to a straight stitch and a normal stitch length, sew closely around the pressed edge. You will be catching the contrast fabric at the same time.
Contrast fabric will show through the cuts you made in the fabric.
STEP 2
Now for the fun part! Once you feel comfortable with the technique (you may want to play with more practice pieces), you can start planning on how you would use this on a garment.
Below is several variations I've used on garments. Notice the stitching. When you have several "cuts" clustered together, you can "figure eight" your stitching lines.
On The Straight and Narrow
This placement of design uses straight of the grain cuts. Anywhere you can visualize a straight line, this design layout should work. I usually make a small "test piece" and check the layout on my garment before cutting my fashion fabric. How about down the front band of a jacket or across the yoke of a shirt?
horizontal.....or.....vertical 
Stars or Flowers
Another way to plan your design is to make some of the cuts on the bias. When you fold back the bias cut areas the "oval" will become larger (the bias stretches more). Try a few samples before planning your garment.
Cuts made on the straight of grain, both lengthwise and crosswise.
Cuts made on the bias. Opening will become larger.
A combination can yield a flower or star shape.