I fold the binding in half (fold, not press), then align the raw edges of the binding with the edge of the quilt and machine stitch 1/4" in from the edge. Then I fold the binding over to the back and hand-stitch.

The only difference between what I do and what most books, magazines, blogs, etc say to do is I do not iron the binding in half lengthwise first.

I wonder why so many instructions say to PRESS the binding in half when that step makes the over-all process more wonky.

But then - almost all binding instructions assume one is planning to use a binding that finishes at 1/4 inch.

An aside - just because one is taught one way to do something - that is no guarantee that is the only and/or best way to do something. However, old habits are hard to break and/or change.

Same thing I was thinking. Where else would the hand stitches be?

I always machine stitch about 8 inches of binding on, then--stop and check how the fold over is working--and then make an adjustment if necessary. Can do it with needle position to the left or right. The thickness of the quilt will vary and needs to be accounted for each time. I always use 2 1/2" straight of grain strips and do iron it in half. Bias strips on curves would have to be done differently.

When I started quilting in 1992, I was on my own, and just used 1 1/2 inches. The batting fills it up nicely. I've been told that it will wear out quickly, but I figure a double one will do the same and I stick to the size I picked years ago. I've had no complaints so far.

An exaggerated view of binding -

Notice that the red layer has to make a wider turn/bend than the green layer three times - which, in many cases, will make that final fold not be at the center fold line.

I did my first single layer binding last week on a quickie baby quilt. I still used 2 1/2 inch jelly roll strips joined. I machine sew to back first then fold over and again machine sew to front. Single layer left plenty of fabric to turn neatly and in fact my mitered corners were even easier. I contemplate a decorative stitch finish on my nxt kiddie one . Not ironing huge long strips sure saves time. Youdo need to use a darker binding though to cover any see through. Mine were all pastels.

I use 2 1/4" binding, 1/4" seam and if the binding is not full enough, I cut strips of batting to fill out the binding. Some strips are 1/4" wide and some wider.