I wonder if what she was using was the bullion stitch. It makes a sort of elongated French knot that is often used as you describe. There is a popular embroidery technique right now called "Brazilian" which is basically just crewel embroidery done with rayon threads. If you google "Brazilian Embroidery" there are a lot of sites with information. Or see if you can get a book on the subject through your local library.

Annie

I would iron on a piece of interfacing before I cut the shirt. Some people use grosgrain ribbon & turn it under like a facing when they cut sweatshirts. I have not seen a regular T-shirt cut but I assume the same way would work.v

When you make a t-shirt quilt you must iron the block cut from the t-shirt onto a knit stabilizer (which is different from regular stabilizer). This prevents the knit material of the t-shirt from stretching out of shape. Knit fabrics are a great deal more stretchy than woven fabrics.

The link I posted below may help with the cutting.

Teresa

Here is a link that might be useful: making a t-shirt jacket