dress making/sewing machine question

[mimififi]

Hi y'all,
I have a computerised sewing machine (and frankly, it's a little bit scary!) and it has a sewing stitch on there which in the book can be used for point de paris (I think that is what it was called, I cant remember, I could go up and get the book, but I have been on my feet all day and I can't be bothered, sorry.)

Now the stitch looks like a grid of tiny squares and in the photo looks like tiny sewn squares with squares of the fabric cut away. It is suggested for use around a decorative hem etc. When the squares and the holes are together, it looks like checks.

Now my question is, obviously, I can't work out how to sew the stitch, but how do you cut out the alternate squares? Is there a special gadget, or is it sharp pointy scissors? Also, what else is it used for other than decorative hems andhankies. It's really pretty and I would like to use it more.

Thank you so much, you guys.
love
mimi