I also have been machine sewing my bindings lately. I sew them to the back first and then sew them down to the front, stitching right on the edge of the binding. If the quilt is for a child or for charity it may be washed frequently, so this will hold it together nicely. I sometimes make a self binding, cutting the backing fabric about an inch all the way around, turning it under, and machine sewing it to the front, mitering as I go.