Since i've been making my place mats of the month for my folks - 4 each month - i wanted something quicker than the usual binding. I've been "self" binding. After quilting, i trim the oversized backing 1" larger than the front.
Doing one side at a time i fold in half, press, fold again onto front of place mat - tack with Elmers.....i press at the corners to get the 90 degree angle (like wrapping a package) I tack with school glue then stitch from the front.
Yikes...am i explaining this so anyone can understand??? If you check my posts under Pictures for place mat of the month you can see the end result....which i think works fine for these smaller projects.