A while ago, I built some chairs for my poker table, and used suited speedcloth for the seat and back. I had some material left over from the project.

Would this type of cloth be suitable for use in a close up mat? Suited speedcloth works well for sliding cards to the players when dealing. Its surface is slightly textured, so it is not completely smooth. It does not restrict anything on it from moving freely, though.

Has anyone ever used this type of material in making one of these mats?

Never heard of speedcloth. From your description, it does not sound like an ideal material to use for a close-up mat.

Give it a try, if it works for you, then go for it.

Traditionally, Pool Table felt is used, some have used automobile headliner material from an automobile seat cover repair store. It has a thin foam backing to help give it some give. A lot depends on your close-up props, you are using.

I have made thousands of mats over the years. I had a client who sent me some casino speedcloth for a special project and made some custom mats for him. I my opinion , This stuff is great for commercial use like in casinos, but I found it too hard of a surface for magic routines . However it all depends on personal preference. If it works for you then you have a winner. Also I found the speedcloth I had was a linen type material, which has material that can “thread out” along the edges unless you seal them with some material edge sealer from the fabric store. Whatever works for you is the best answer. Hope this helps. Pattrick