I use them for machine binding for two reasons. One because for some reason all the jostling of the quilt can move the binding just slightly so that as I got further down on sewing the binding, it would be off a little and then I would have the front or back stretched more than the other side of the binding. Now, I put the clips on after making sure it is straight, then use Elmers school glue along the edge and iron it down. I only need a few clips when actually taking it to the machine. I will say it is downright perfect every time when I do this. I use 2 1/2 - 3" bias binding strips, no smaller. So stretching may not be a problem if they were smaller. I don't know. The binding clips have line measurements on them so the binding is the exact width all around the quilt. It is quick to keep measuring this way to make sure it isn't 'off'. This is also why I use them.