I have used any where from 2" to 3" depending on the effect I want on my quilt. I follow Sharon Schambers method where she starches, presses in half, and then glue bastes to the quilt top. Now one thing I do to the quilt top is square up and then zig-zag the outer edge to keep the edges together - top, batting, and backing. I am always checking to make sure all three are in line at the edge before putting my binding on. Hope this helps.