I use the Clover bias tape makers to make stems for flower applique. If you buy one of these, I recommend buying the Clover brand. They are color-coded for size, plus they actually work better than the all-metal Dritz brand.
I watched the video that was posted. I actually use the method demonstrated in conjunction with the Clover bias tape maker, pulling the tape through a safety pin before ironing. With the tape maker it goes very, very fast. Sometimes I just sit the iron next to the needle and pull the tape under the iron. The maker tool feeds the fabric to the needle perfectly.
Always make about a foot more tape than you need, as the first foot is often less perfect than the rest of the tape.
I always cut my fabric on the bias because I want lots of flexibility for the flower stems.
Most quilters do not use bias tape to bind quilts because it provides only a single layer of fabric on the edge.