There is the same amount of fabric (2 layers) as a French fold, but rather than sewing it on additionally, the back fabric is cut 1" wider than quilt top, folded onto itself, then folded over from back to front and machine sewn down, as opposed to sewn to front, folded to back and hand sewn down. I actually have two whole cloth quilts from estate sales that are finished this way too. So, in reality the wear factor would be the same, I think....