I have just been making pot holders/candle mats and I sewed the binding onto the wrong side first then turned it to the front and machine stitched. It didn't come out perfect on the back but it isn't that bad and who is going to care. I am sure not hand stitching on potholders!! I cut my binding 2 1/4" wide and then folded it half, used a 1/4"seam to sew it on. It looks okay on the back to me!