I hate binding with every fiber of my being. This is the technique I use and I love it. If I'm doing a runner or something small, I just sew it all around, turn it right side out, stitch up the opening and then sew a decorative stitch 1/4" to 3/8" in all around the sides to give the illusion of binding.
http://www.lorettaalvarado.com/binding.htm