I have a tutorial on my blog. Its another way to join the ends and it works for me. See what you think! I usually use applique pins. They are small so they dont' get caught in the thread. My friend just presses her binding after applying. She says that it just lays down with out pinning. Itsn't it great there are so many methods? We can all find the one that works best for US!
http://bzyqltr.blogspot.com/2008/04/binding-my-way.html