As with most things in quilting, we all have to experiment to see which method(s) work best for each one of us, and to determine which results we personally like. I use a 2 1/4" binding, fold right sides together and press it, attach it to the front by machine. Then I turn it to the back and hand stitch it. Recently, I have been pressing the attached binding on the front of the quilt right at the edge where I've stitched before I turn it to the back. It really gives a much neater, cleaner and more finished look to the quilt. And I was surprised one night at our Guild (300+ members strong) when the Tip of the Month was given by a very experienced quilter who said she was doing the same thing that I do! Good luck with whatever method you choose to use on your quilt -- and forget about those judges and quilt police. LOL It's your quilt, and you will be the one looking at it and using it, not them.