janeite

If the 201 and the 15 are so similar in quality as I have read online, why does the 201 have better name recognition and command higher prices (although the 15 looks like prices are rising too)? I know originally they were marketed to different crowds, but surely in today's world we can recognize quality whether it was originally intended for the farmer's wife or the tailor.

I haven't had the luck to stitch on either model yet, so I can't weigh in on which one I like better. I guess I am just honestly curious. Does anyone here who has had the luck of sewing on both care to share their opinion?

Charlee

I have both machines, both potted motors. To be honest, I prefer my 15-91 to the 201-2. Couldn't tell you why, other than I have had no tension issues with the 15, and I had to fight that 201 every stitch of the way to a good seam. Most likely NOT the machine's fault, someone had messed with the tension before I got it. When I got the machine, the seams puckered terribly. It took a lot of adjusting to finally get it right, along with several repeated swear words and even a couple of tears of frustration. I now associate that machine with those things!

Even so. Both machines are quiet, hard working machines. Both have a beautiful stitch now, and both are pretty machines. Seems to me, other than a small difference in size, the main difference is that the 15 has a vertical bobbin while the 201 has a drop in bobbin. The vertical bobbin has worked better for me for FMQ...I still get eyelashes when I try to FMQ on the 201, and with other machines to use, I let her have her way and only use her to piece with.

KatFish

I have both machines and I prefer the 15-91 over the 201-2 for all the same reasons Charlee listed. I only use the 201 for piecing when I can keep the tension right. Can't say why the 201 is the higher priced machine, because IMHO the 15 is a much better machine.

Bennett

I had my 201-2 before my 15-91. I kept having some problems with the cabinet foot pedal on my 201, so started using the 15 exclusively for piecing and quilting. Now, out of all my machines, if I had to choose only 1 to keep, it would be the 15-91.

janeite

Interesting perspectives. Thanks y'all.

To take it even further, does anyone have a 15 clone and a Singer class 15? A few articles online seem to suggest the clone might be a bit better...with a stronger motor and a few other differences.

janeite

Oh another thing, is the 15 as quiet as the 201?

Charlee

I don't have a clone, so can't answer that question, but can tell you that the motor on the 15-91 is as strong of a motor as I'll ever need.

And yes...the 15 is as quiet as the 201....I can use either in the early morning while the spousal unit is sleeping and not wake him up...not so much with my Janome tho! It's WAY noisier!

janeite

Well my sewing buddy and I have been experimenting with felted wool. Oh the abuse that it heaps on the poor machines...I still have not delinted my hunk of a kenmore since the last round. My kenmore handled it, barely, but to be fair the felted wool was very very thick.

deedum

I haven't sewn on the 201, but I gotta tell ya I love my15's!!!!

Charlee

I'd bet the15 could handle it. I've sewn thick belt webbing with mine, doubled....it sewed through it like butter...