I have only machine-sewed my binding on one quilt, but did that because I did a decorative piping as an embellishment. It was so easy and it worked out great! Personally, I think that the recipients of your quilts will be so thrilled that they got a gift that was made by you that I don't think that how the binding was done will be an issue. Consider the piped binding...it adds a nice element. Hope all works out for you!