Starter Guide
This is a beginner's guide with a walkthrough of early mod progression.
Please install JEI (Just Enough Items) if you have not already. It shows recipes in-game. It's invaluable for playing with mods!
With some exceptions, crafting recipes will not be shown here. JEI shows you almost everything.
When you first spawn into the world, you may (depending on the config) spawn with a blueprint package. Using it will place several blueprints into your inventory, so you may want to wait until you have picked a spot to set up. By default, this only gives a few basic blueprints. You will need to craft blueprints or templates for other items.
If you choose to wait on opening the blueprint package, you can use vanilla tools for now. You can also place vanilla tools back into your crafting grid to convert them into equivalent Silent Gear tools.
Templates are like blueprints, but can only be used once. Blueprints can be used infinitely. Templates are good if you don't yet have paper or blue dye to craft blueprint paper.
Templates require template boards. Template boards require a dagger to craft. Sometimes knives from other mods may work (anything tagged as forge:knives). You can craft certain tools without blueprints or templates by using rough rods.
Craft some rough rods with two sticks in a diagonal. Then craft a single main material (cobblestone, flint, wood, etc.) with a rough rod below it (shaped recipe). Finally, craft the dagger with any log to make template boards. The dagger will take a small amount of damage with each use.
From this point on, it would be best to avoid rough rods. The "crude" trait they have reduces the item's stats.