I just love hand binding, It gives me a chance to pray for the person I am giving the quilt too. If the quilt is a prayer quilt from our group at Church this to is a time to pray for the the unknown receiver of the quilt. I find it relaxing. I work in a quilt shop and the owner, who has her quilts machine quilted, always brings it to me to finish....I have done it on the machine too, especially for table toppers or runners, since they will be washed more often. I do agree that is is a matter of choice. Don't sweat the small stuff....Enjoy the process.