When I machine-sew the binding, I generally have it a little wider when pulled to the front. That allows me to do a decorative stitch. I do not use the continuous binding either - rather I do a double-mitered binding. Clipping the binding down and working a bit at a time helps me to keep it straight.

This is what I do as well.:thumbup:

For those of you that have Bernina's try using the 38 foot, Sew your binding to the front as you would for hand sewing it, then fold to the back top stitching from the back with the 38 foot it allows your machine to ride along the ditch and gives beautiful even binding, make sure you fold your corners the opposite way to balance the bulk. I have used it now on 5 quilts and it works every time! Amazing...

Quiltngolfer
Yes, and I SITD between the flange and the rest of the binding.
I sew 2 strips together, one wider (the flange) to equal 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" then fold as for french binding.

I do machine binding all the time. I do not use a decorative stitch, I straight stitch as close to the edge of the binding as I can, I use mitered corners and I never have a problem.

I sew the binding to the back and do the top stitching on the front.

I also do the flange on the front with my sewing machine and it's a life saver. But, I have 10 quilts that need binding, so I don't think I have room to talk. I just can't get myself into gear to bind. It's the cutting and sewing the strips together that get me. That's the part I don't like. Don't remember if I like the rest because it's been so long since I've gotten past that part :o

I just tried Sharon Schamber's method of binding and decided to see what it would look like finishing by machine instead of hand stitching..other than an occasional weave (operator error) outside my ditch it looked pretty darn good...the glue makes a big difference...

Great tips here.

I use the method advocated by Ricky Tims - completely machine-stitched - and it works every time! Get hold of his DVD 'Grand Finale' - It's so easy to follow!