Its a lovely quilt top. Since you havent gotten that far I personally would use: fusible batting for your first go round. It is easy to apply and it REALLY helps you keep the top and the back from shifting. I also pin but not as closely when I use fusible. It is a thin cotton but its a nice light weight quilt and thin is good for the first round. I am NOT an expert quilter by any means but have made about a dozen. I make my own binding (lots of tutorials here and on youtube). I think quilt first bind last is the best way to keep things from going wonky on you. Good luck! Its not that hard and there is something so terrific about holding your first finished by yourself piece. Share it with us when your done.