When I bind placemats, table runners, etc. I use a two inch binding and trim the item straight and close. than I can attach it with 1/4" seam and it works perfectly. I never pin or use any clips as I find it is a lot of extra work. However, when I turn the binding over to finish the item, I do use clips as they tend to make a straighter seam. I am a little more particular when I bind a quilt--use a 2-1/4 to a 2-1/2 inch binding and leave about a quarter inch on the quilt so I do have something to gauge my distance with. I understand if you want to have your quilt judged you have to be more particular but I don't go that far. Again practice makes it much easier.