Ditto to that last posting. I usually cut my binding at least 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches then fold in half and press before sewing it to the front and handfinishing the back. I also don't pin it I just roll it as I go. I believe this is called the French method. I usualy use the straight of grain unless I will be doing rounded edges etc. It saves a lot of peiceing.