I haven't used glue sticks for binding, but did try several brands for turning under machine applique on freezer paper backings (a la Harriet Hargrave) and didn't like any of them. I switched to old-fashioned paper paste. This is the white stuff that comes in a jar that we used in kindergarten many, many years ago. Smells like peppermint! Couldn't find it locally, but have been able to purchase it via mail order online. I find it a lot easier to apply and faster to use than glue sticks. I just smear it on with a finger. Because it is a paste, it doesn't have the drag on the fabric that a glue stick has. The brand is Elmer's washable school paste.