These two procedures should allay your concerns:

Document ID# 553908
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Malibu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Mount Inspection

Notice
In order to avoid oil pan damage and possible engine failure, insert a block
of wood that spans the width of the oil pan bottom between the oil pan and
the jack support.

Important
Before replacing any engine mount due to suspected fluid loss, make sure
that the source of the fluid is the mount, not the engine or accessories.

Raise the engine in order to remove the weight from the engine mount and in
order to place slight tension in the rubber.
Observe the engine mount while raising the engine. If the engine mount
exhibits any of the following conditions, replace it.
The hard rubber surface is covered with heat check cracks.
The rubber is separated from the metal plate of the engine mount.
The rubber is split through the center of the engine mount.
If there is movement between the metal plate of the engine mount and its
attaching points, lower the engine on the engine mount. Tighten the bolts or
nuts attaching the engine mount to the frame or bracket.

Document ID# 700036
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Malibu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine Mount Replacement
Removal Procedure

Support the engine by the oil pan.
Remove and position cruise control module aside.
Remove the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts.
Remove the engine mount to body nuts.
Remove the engine mount.

Installation Procedure

Install the engine mount.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must
be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or
sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints,
lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces
unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping
force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and
specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts
and systems.

Install the engine mount to body nuts. Tighten
Tighten the engine mount to body nuts to 66 N·m (49 lb ft).
Install the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts. Tighten
Tighten the engine mount to engine mount bracket bolts to 130 N·m (96 lb
ft).

Install the cruise control module to bracket.
Remove the floor jack.

Don't even bother with the cloth Larry.  Put a piece of board - maybe 1X6 or
a 1X8 under the pan and jack against that.  Make sure the board is longer
than the pan so that it spreads the weight.  Are you sure you need to do
this though?  I've replaced the belt on my daughter's '98 Malibu without
taking the motor mount off.  Maybe they changed the design between '98 and
'01.  I'd double check on that.  No matter though - just use the board and
you'll be fine.