Cutting direction- Whichever way works for the effect I want. So, sometimes lengthwise, sometimes crosswise, occasionally bias.
Size- Depends on how quilt will be used and effect I want. If it's for a baby quilt or bed quilt that gets used a lot then I usually cut at 3" wide for double fold and sew it all by machine using the Martelli tools. This way is fast since the tools help keep me in the ditch on the front side and also keep the binding in exactly the right place on the back so it gets sewn down neatly and is very secure. Other quilts width depends on effect and if it will be in a competition, then hand stitched on back.
Rob