I almost always machine stitch my bindings. While I truly admire all those who hand sew, I do not have the time or patience to do it. And, I almost always use a decorative stitch when I attach it to the front. Depending on the top, I might use a matching thread, a contrast or even a variegated thread. This can give it a bit of an extra touch, but it also solves the problem of what it looks like on the back. BTW - I use a 2 1/5" strip.