I have put all my bindings on by machine for many years now. I am also the binding queen at comfort quilt workshops. I cut my binding 2 1/2" wide, fold in half and iron. I then sew my binding on the back of the quilt, one third of the way from the edge. Then you fold up 1/3 and down the front 1/3. I can then sew on the binding edge (on the front) and see where the stitches are. I like to use the same fabric for the binding (or close in color) as the backing. That way you don't really see the stitches too much on the back and the front always looks great. Try it, you will like your results.