I am a fairly new quilter and I usually bind my quilts by hand. I tried binding a small project on the machine and had problems "catching" the backside. Any pointers?

if i'm doing it all on the machine, i sew the binding to the backside first. then, on the front, i use a simple decorative stitch to sew down the binding.

That is what I do also.

Thanks for the advise! I didn't first sew the binding on - duh - I was trying to hold it all in place.

Sewing it by machine is a two step process. Sew it to one side, usually the top, fold it over then hand stitch the back. Or stitch it to the back and use a decorative stitch on the front. I do it an even different way, sew it to the front, press three times: once to set the stitches, once to fold it straight over the edge and the third time to make the fold. Stitch in the ditch from the front where the binding meets the quilt. I just pin the corners but some folks use washable school glue.

Here are some Youtube videos that show the 2-step process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wprg5...UMMkw&index=27
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MRfA...eature=related

I'd attach the binding to the back, flip it over the front and then use a serpentine or decorative stitch to tack it down. That way it looks nice on both sides and it doesn't matter if you get the stitch in the ditch on the backside.

I started using this technique and love it!

http://tlcstitches.blogspot.com/2010...-tutorial.html

I cut the binding strips 2-1/2 inches wide. I sew the binding on the front with a 3/8 seam. THen I press (three times is good as mentioned above). I also pin the binding to the back and use the walking foot to stitch in the ditch from the front. My bindings are looking good! I like the idea of a decorative stitch for mug rugs and other small items. THanks.

Same here