Something like quilter’s cotton would probably be something that I would use on more special occasions than day-to-day use. They’re more pretty than practical. Using a linen/linen blend might be more absorbent. If you want something that’s more of a simple, absorbent, and just a work horse type fabric for daily napkins, maybe check your local fabric store for terrycloth. The terrycloth you find in fabric stores are typically not the same thick stuff you see with commercial towels but more on the thinner side so easier to work with and to clean.