Green chile is not acceptable for making ristras. Because it has not reached maturity, green chile will only shrivel and turn a dull orange color as it dries. Allow red chile pods to set for two or three days after picking. This allows the stems to lose some of their moisture. In the ristra tying process, stems often break if they are too fresh.
Good ventilation is important in the final drying steps.
If fresh chile is bought in closed containers or plastic bags, take the chile out of the container or bag to avoid spoilage. Baling wire or twine Begin by tying clusters of three chile pods on the lightweight string. Wrap the string around the stems of three chiles. Pull the string up tightly between two of the chiles. Pick up three more chile pods, and, in the same manner, tie another cluster about three inches above the first cluster.