I always machine stitch the binding on. They can look great. If you are skilled with a sewing machine you can get a beautiful result. I cut 2.5" binding fabric and press it in half. Then I sew a 1/4" seam with the binding on the front. When I turn it to the back I pin it around, and stitch in the ditch on the top side, catching just inside the edge of the binding on the back side. If you move the binding away from the seam as you stitch in the ditch, it will be totally hidden once the binding relaxes back into place. No visible stitching on the front, and a nice edge stitch on the back.
I am not about to sit and hand stitch binding down, no matter how "traditional" that is... Consequently, I don't mind binding my quilts at all! I actually enjoy it.
Last edited by sewbizgirl; 10-14-2012 at 08:06 AM.