I love my 301 for FMQ. It's 7 1/4" from needle to pillar. Saw a good looking 201 yesterday, but I think it had a shuttle and I have no idea how much thread they can hold. The machine is in Clare for $200 in a simple cabinet. He had good looking 301s for $175, which seems high, but they are reconditioned and ready to sew which is worth something.