No, the point of birthing is that you don't need to add a binding. I have used it in the past for baby quilts. I always topstitch 1/4 to 1/2" edge to help hold the edge square.

As much as I hate sewing binding on, I have never really been happy with birthed quilts. I find it difficult to get a crisp edge. The back will try to roll up to the top or whatever.

Thank you Mary!!!! I did everything to get this thing to stay straight, I thought I was doing something wrong.
I'll topstitch it.
Rosa

And, the topstitching looks like a binding if you keep it the same width. It works great.

I think you would not like this "birthing" method for a lap quilt. It is okay for baby quilts that get used and washed often. I used to make very large comforters using this "pillowcase" method, but I always used a backing that was either the same fabric or a very decorative coordinate. I found this to be great for a really poofy, whole cloth tied quilts, and baby quilts that were machine quilted. I always thought of these as my "cheater" quilts :). The topstitching around the edges will help.
For your sister's lap quilt, I think you would be better off cutting your backing larger, trimming the front and batting like normal, and wrapping the backing to the front and topstitching forming a self binding. (I don't know the name of this method.) I think it would look nicer and lay flat, and unless she looks hard, she won't be able to tell it isn't a regular binding. Also, it is a real pain to turn a large pillowcase type quilt right sides out - probably why it is called birthing.
Your Thanksgiving tablescape is very pretty. I like your squares using the new tube method.

I have done the birthing thing with pillows, and I've created a "cheater binding" by adding a 1.25"-ish strip in a matching or contrasting color around the center, sewing RST with a 1/2" seam. When turning right side out it gives a little 1/2 inch contrast around the outside and I stitch in the ditch. It makes a cute little 1/2" fake binding.

Maybe that's why they call it 'birthing' LOL that's a hoot! I thought I was just making it harder than it is but I hard a tough time with just a small table runner.
Rosa

Great job on the table runner, Rosa.
I birthed one baby quilt and I can't say I liked the look. I never did it again. Making and applying binding was extra work but I kept doing it. I'm glad to get these hints for getting a binding look without actually doing a binding. I'd like to sat thanks to all those who gave tips on doing a 'fooler' binding.

~Geraldine

Rosa, your tablerunner is very pretty. I like the way you used two same size strips.
I have and do birth a few things. I find putting the top stitching around the edge about 1/2" from the edge helps it lie down and looks finished. I have had people think I put a binding of the same fabric until they looked closely.
Your table decoration is pretty!

TFS
Sally

I agree that birthing's not for the big stuff. Even the few lap sized quilts and a tree skirt I've "birthed" came out kind or wrinkely--just like my kids did! (ha ha--bad joke). The one good birth (bedsides the kids)--was a flannel baby blanket--the puckering just kind of blended in, especially after I washed it.