Newbie with a bajillion squares- where do I start?
 

Hi all,
I’ve just been given a giant stack of 5x7 inch fabric rectangles in about six different patterns. I am a bit paralyzed by the volume. I thought that I would try to make two twin bed quilts for the fabric supplier’s nieces but don’t quite know how to start designing a suitable layout.

Unfortunately they are rectangular pieces rather than squares, which makes things a bit trickier unless I go through them individually and cut them all down to 5 inch squares. That would definitely dull my rotary cutter by the time I got through it all.

At those measurements I could make a 35 inch strip using 7 pieces vertically or 5 pieces horizontally.

any advice on how to proceed from here?

This is my own opinion about what I would do if I had all those rectangles, feel free to ignore me, because my opinion won't be popular.
Personally, I'm not a fan of rectangles. I'd rather cut them into usable pieces. However, nothing says you have to cut them all at once! One pattern that comes to mind is a jagged X quilt, you might be able to adapt your rectangles for use in this quilt by cutting them in half lengthwise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghg7aXt6qMc

rectangles sew together just as easily as squares. do not be scared! sew them end to end in rows then put the rows together. I would be inclined to offset the rows a little though. so on every other row, instead of beginning with a full rectangle, start that row with a half of the rectangle. then you do not have to worry about your seams lining up with you sew the rows together. or you could do a modified jelly roll race quilt with them. (google it. it's actually really easy, though may be a bit more cumbersome with only 5x7 rectangles. but still possible)

https://quiltingtutorials.com/tutori...ting-made-easy
The link I'm showing is from Missouri star quit co. Uses the size of fab you have. Divide your fab into dark and lights. Easy beginner quilt and ;make it any size you want.

I wonder if you could do something like a french braid quilt with the rectangles.

Oh, great idea! Rather easy for a newbie, too!

So many possibilities!!!

While you said there are a bajillion, we have no clue what that really is?
Likewise, while there are six different patterns, again, no clue as to whether they all coordinate? all the same colour family? or are horrid together? or WHY?
Also, whether the 5"x7" are perfect cuts, or need to re-cut to get exact measurements?

My first thoughts are sort into coordinating groups. Then count what you have.
Some simple math will give you an idea as to what you might be able to do.

Two basic patterns come to mind. Again, depending on what you really have.
One would be to just sew them together in a layout that works.
Another would be to make a Disappearing 4-Patch quilt.
Disappearing Four Patch | Quilting Daily
While it usually starts with squares it works perfectly fine using rectangles.

But as already said, without having any clue as to what you really have ...
... maybe neither make any sense?

You could cut 2 1/2 inch squares plus one 4 1/2 inch square. From the 5x7 swatch you get 2 squares @ 2.5 inch and 1 square @ 4.5 inches.

Make a 4 patch with the 2 1/2 inch squares and alternate with a 4 1/2/ inch square. There is probably a name for this block somewhere.

Have fun!

More info on the rectangles
 

Hi all-
great ideas!
thank you all!!

I divided the stack of rectangles evenly for the two quilts.

Each ‘sub stack’ has 41 blue checks (like a tablecloth pattern), 20 mint green checks, 17 pink checks, 38 solid pale blue, 11 blue and white floral, 6 yellow and white floral #1, 25 yellow and white floral #2, totaling 173 5x7 rectangles.

There isn’t really anything dark - these are almost entirely light patterns. The fabrics are not terribly interesting or unique individually although the colours go together well enough.
Maybe do florals vs. checks and solid?