I use the Nancy Z. process for binding by machine. 2 1/2" strips folding in half. I sew the binding on to the front of my quilt. Then I press the seam, and then press the binding to the outside. Then I pin the folded edge on the back, and stitch in the ditch on the front. Then I press the binding. Guess that is a lot of pressing, but doesn't seem like that much work. I like the idea of basting the binding down first for large quilts. Have to give that a try.