I have been basting around the edge of my quilts before I bind, with all fabric and batting layers I think it gives a more stable base to sew your binding on without the chance of puckers. I machine sew my bindings on the front of my quilts and hand sew after turning on the back. I always use 2 1/2 inch strips folded over for my bindings, again, I think the width of the binding makes it easy to turn and the bulk of the binding helps prevent movement and puckering. Isn't it fun finding out how different everyone is - to me that's what makes everyone's quilts so unique, we all have our favorite ways.