I am interested in getting one of these machines, but would like your input. I will want to do sewing and quilting on it, but also need to sew two layers of denim, and possibly leather.
Is either one easier to maintain? How about bobbin availability? Etc.

As far as bobbin info?
201 takes standard bobbins, like 66 & 99.
The 301 takes featherweight bobbins.

I own both machines and my 201 sews through the many layers when I make the Bow Tuck purses.

I am still piecing my 301 together, but from what I have read it too is a workhorse. The 301 I have will drop the feed dogs.

Blessings,
Sandi

You can drop the feed dogs on a 201 also. I love mine!

Thank you, forgot to add that to my reply.

Blessings,
Sandi

Only have 301 and my singer guy told me it will go thru 4 layers of demin...I love it...I also have a 301A which I also love...not much diff other then where it was made

The 301 will be the better of the two for free-motion quilting because you can access the bobbin even with a quilt in the machine. The drawbacks are the slant needle, which makes needle deflection more likely. It has great piercing power, but when you hit a seam, the needle is going in at an angle, rather than straight down.

The 201 has even more piercing power and needle deflection isn't as likely, but getting to the bobbin while you have a quilt on the machine is not easy. The bobbin is on the smallish side, so if you're free-motion quilting, you'll be be changing bobbins about 50% more often.

I have both machines and a couple of 15-91's. I would take the 15-91 over either of the others.

Vertical needle, access to the bobbin, large class 15 bobbin and very powerful. Not quite as quiet as the 201, but not as loud as the 66 or 400/500 series. I actually like the sound of the 15. :)

I would also ask if you plan to take the machine anywhere? If so, I'd definitely go with the 301. It only weighs about 15 lbs.

Thanks so much for the replies so far! Definitely has me thinking!

I was testing my 301 and sewed through 12 layers of cotton with no problem. I just wanted to see what it could do. Kind of like seeing how fast your new hot rod car would go I suppose. I have been researching the different topics on FMQ though. I am reading about some of the same problems mine is giving me. Other that the FMQ, the 301's are GREAT. All metal gears, no belts, that is why you get such good piercing power. I actually own 2 of them...and would probably buy another if the price was right. The first one was at Goodwill for $50.00, and the second was at a garage sale for $25, both included a buttonholer. If you are near a city, check Craigslist. I have seen quite a few come up there at all price ranges.