Many years ago there was a technique called Shadow quilting where you applique a quilt top, then place a very thin piece of fabric over the top, and quilt the quilt. It softens the colors of the applique. I saw baby quilts made that way. I think they used the batiste fabric. If it was used for a baby quilt, it must have been somewhat sturdy.
I think the sturdy-ness of the fabric depends on the person using it. When the boys were little, they could destroy a pair of denim jeans in no time! lol