I machine bound when I first started finishing lap quilts. It looked awful, but it was the best I could do. I was SO surprised at how (relatively) fast hand binding is. But, I had some placemats that I did not have time to hand bind. I used the flange binding method, and machine stitched them. That flange made it so easy to get a straight neat edge. Google 'flange binding 52 weeks" and you'll see it. I just might use it again for a quilt I need to get in and out quickly!