I've always pressed and starched, machined to front and hand stitched to back but I'm going to try NOT pressing next time! :D
BTW - if joining strips for binding, you should do it on the bias so you don't get bulk at the join. I set my stitch length shorter for this then press the seams open. I also make a bias cut at the beginning and fold and press a 1/4", to make a pocket to tuck the tail into at the end. I used to swivel the quilt round on the needle at the corners but now I stop a 1/4" from the edge, turn, run the stitching up back off the quilt, cut the thread, fold the corner into a mitre then restart down the next side. This has improved my mitred corners enormously. :D