With the 1541 or similar machines, in order to get the mouth of the binder as close as possible to the needle, you need a cut away needle plate. The feed dog also needs to be cut away, to accomodate the depth of the binder mouth. Because the binder can only be mounted in a "fixed" position in relation to the needle, and the nature of how the machine feeds with it's walking feet, it will never be in the optimal feeding position. Below is a 1541 set up as a binding machine. People do set these machines up like this and they will work OK.

In my opinion, the most ideal set up is one where the binder can be made to move in unison with the machine as it feeds. This offers the most consistent presentation of the binding tape as it leaves the mouth of the binder, and the work is immediately under the needle for the next stitch. Certain flatbed machines can be set up this way, but more common are cylinder arm machines. Some quick googling results below.
Flatbed:
Cylinder Arm: