I like to stitch around the outside of me quilt about an eighth of an inch in just of keep the layers together. I like to leave some extra batting and backing on for stability. I rough cut some of it away just to reduce the volume of stuff to be dealt with. Then I sew on the binding with a 3/8 inch seam. I use a ruler to trim the excess so the binding turn is straight and full all the way around. I think a well done binding just adds to the beauty of a finished project-it is no place to try a short cut.