Of course you can! And you can machine stitch it down if you do not want to hand stitch it. I use a decorative stitch when I 'self-bind' and it makes it look a bit special (also covers any little wiggles in a straight stitch). I always self-bind when I make a baby quilt because they can not chew off the binding. But, the major point to remember is that it is your quilt, you can make it any way you want!!!!