I always block my quilts when they are quilted. Then I sew the binding on the back, 1/4". I turn it to the front and machine sew it. I've never basted the edges. I never thought of that. I usually sew the binding that is folded before I sew it on my quilt so it won't move when I sew it down. That really helps. I sew 1/8" from the edge. I learned that trick a while back and it really helps. (I have over 5 quilts waiting for me to bind them, so I shouldn't be talking. I don't enjoy binding)