until just last xmas, i always machined sewed the binding to the front, then hand blind stitched to the backing. but i did several 'downy kids quilts' and the directions that came with it said to zig zag the binding instead of hand sewing. i have decided that from now on,--for all my utility quilts that are give aways, i will zig zag. it's quicker, easier. and someone that doesn't quilt, and is going to wash it once a week. that's good enough.