I, too, am a machine binder. I start with a 3" strip, folded in half, but not ironed anymore. I stitch the edges of the quilt before I bind it, just to make it easier, knowing the layers are all in place. I stitch to the back, turn it to the front and then use a decorative or straight stitch to stitch down the front.
What I like is that this gives me a nice outline stitch on the back as my binding is wider on the front. So rather than looking like I accidentally wander back and forth from the ditch, it looks like I am intentionally stitching outside the seam. Which I am!!! Smiles and hugs!