I'm new to the nappy making game as well - I bought a Honeyboy pattern online to use as it comes with full instructions and pictures and I like the tabs. My newborn size nappies are going to look like this:

Outer: Microfleece (for aethetics only)
Hidden Outer: PUL (for waterproofing)
Soaker pad: 2 layers of 100% terry toweling sewn to a full layer of flannel
Inner: Flannel

Additional lay-in booster:
Back: Flannel
Inner: Terry toweling
Front: Microfleece (should theoretically wick moisture away but that might be polar fleece)

I'm using standard braided elastic as its what the pattern calls for.

I figure with a newborn I'll be changing frequently anyway so the main issue is poo containment, not wee absorbtion. I'm going to get some hemp or bamboo or microfibre for the soaker pad for the bigger sizes - which is the most absorbent?