I too prefer the look of the hand stitched binding. Interesting that many of you machine stitch for sturdiness. I have a quilt that I use on a daily basis and have machine washed several times. It was made all by hand by my grandmother as a utility quilt many years ago. She died in 1966. The only thing coming apart on that quilt is the fabric. It will probably last as long as I do.:)
I use it because that is why it was made. I do have others that I pamper.