You mentioned that your 1/4" seam wasn't that great to start so my reccomendation is to get a 1/4"foot for your machine that will automatically give you the right size. It takes away so much stress and gives you the accuracy you need.
As far as binding, you have had several great rccomendations so all I can say there is practice. Try just making something small to practice on, even just a sandwich of scrap material and batting and practice, practice, practice.