Tartan

Yes the binding is just fabric. I like to cut mine 2-1/4 inches and fold it in half lengthwise so it is double thick when you sew it on the front edge. There are many good YouTube video on how to do it. I think that Jenny Doan on the Missouri Star Quilt co has one to watch.

nativetexan

if machine quilting, i just start with very small stitches, then onto 2.2 or 2.4 , then when done, i go back to very small stitches. i clip the thread ends.
if hand quilting, yes you can bury the threads.
i tend to trim my quilt top around but leave about 1/4 past the top edges. to fill the binding. i used 2 1/2 inch binding most times, or 2 1/4 inches.

kathdavis

I think it looks better when you leave some batting for the binding. I also hear that it keeps the binding from wearing.