If you are hand stitching the binding to the back, most quilters cut their double folded binding 2.25". The only time I ever cut binding 3" was when I was using some fat polyester batting. Check to make sure you are sewing an accurate 1/4" seam when attaching your binding to the quilt. Most quilters (Not ALL) who cut their binding 2.5" width is because they are stitching it totally on by machine.

I agree, you might want to do a test at 2 1/2 and one at 3" and see if that's the look you want. Like most, I find 2 1/2" strips gives me plenty on front and back.

I always use a 2.25 binding and as someone has mentioned, anything wider than 1/4 inch seam with blocks extending to the edge will result in lost points. I can tell you all about that. I thought I heard someone mention the other day on a TV show that they always used a 3" binding to start with. I was surprised as I don't think I would ever get that thing filled.

Hi DeMaris
Re equal binding widths on front and back of quilt - Marci Baker discusses this here http://youtu.be/Ot7Trk6J2Vw
in a you tube video about joining binding ends. She does not iron her folded strip in half before applying the binding.
When I think of doing that I see a lot of pleats becoming a design element in my binding - but she doesn't seem to
have a problem. Alicia's Attic videos have a ton of good info.
Re the original question about where to stop before the miter - I think that measurement is the same as the seam allowance.
Thanks for your question - it makes me think about what I am doing and also see the approach other quilters use. I will be
trying the 2 tips about folding binding into thirds and the one about trimming the quilt sandwich after sewing down the
binding.
Lefty - in Philly

my first suggestion is to make quilt sandwiches. of scraps ( they only need to be about 1-1/2 inches wide) and experiment

I cut my bindings on the bias at 2-7/8 inches - they end up about 7/16 inch wide.

I like a wider bindng. - and when I sew it on I use the far left needle setting, and the "regular" presser foot - with the right edge of the presser foot on top of the edge of the quilt.

My machine is a mid 1980s Pfaff with the idt walkong foot.

I baste the edges of my binding together instead of pressing the strip in half. When the binding is wrapped around the outside of the quilt, the actual/natural fold line is a few threads away from that pressed in center crease.

I also use a long stitch about 3/16 inch or less from the edge of the quilt sandwich.

It is two more steps - but then I only need to worry about lining up two things instead of five - so it is easier for me .

I always have to do a bit of a trial run to get my needle settings right. Thicknss of the batting can also make a difference.

Also - when doing that first stitching - STOP sewing a seam width away from the end of the seam. That 1/4 inch you sometimes see ONLY applies to seams that are that wide.

My favorite binding width is 2.25. And I don't press my binding in half anymore and it seems to be more pliable when I sew it on.

My very best advice is to watch the Sharon Schamber tutorial on binding. Since following her instructions I have never had a problem with mitering the corners, etc. I only follow the "gluing" when working on a quilt for competition or a very special one. Also, my favorite width is 2 3/8" starched and folded in half. That seems to work with the batting that I choose most often. Thicker batting...I raise to 2 1/2" folded, but I never seem to go any less. Really!! I think you'll like her tutorial. It's the little things that matter.

Most people will give you the same advice all of these ladies have. I have large hands and a quarter inch binding makes me feel like I am tugging and pulling while sewing it to the back. I do not make fancy show quilts. I cut my binding at 3 1/2". Iron it in half and sew it at 1/2" to the front. If you have a border (or not) on your quilt, you can trim your quilt normally. I have had quilts in Guild Shows and I always get compliments on my binding by judges. I am attaching front and back photos of a doll quilt that I made. It shows the binding the best.

I like a wider binding and usually use 3 plus " you keep the same seam allowance and when you get to the corners you do them the same way but make sure you have the correct measurement to turn your corner. I usually have to fold my fabric at about 3/4" -1" depending on how large my binding is going to be. just make sure to measure everything as you go. Also I always trim my top once the binding is on the front then iron and fold to the back to sew it down.

I cut my bindings at 2-1/2" wide, WOF, sew onto front with machine and sew to back by hand. After washing and drying the quilt the binding looks right to me. Some times I trim the batting about 1/4" past the quilt edge then sew on the binding as above.
Really depends on personal taste.