I use a star nozzle and I simply move my hand in a small clockwise circle movement while squeeezing the icing out of my bag.
Man..I wish I had a scanner....the technique is shown on page 27 of the wilton class 2 workbook.If someone has a scanner ..maybe they could send you a picture.It is really very easy and makes a nice border!!
The rope border is like making a sideways "S". You just hook the s's together by coming up from the bottom of one then over the top of the same one. Like a chain. I figured it out by doing it real fast. Once you get the motion you'll get it.
This is one technique I need to practice. I cheated and made a fondant rope on the bridal shower cake I made several months ago. That could be an alternative until you get to practice the technique with icing. Rolled out two strips of fondant then overlapped each other (kinda like braiding hair).
Check this website...
http://www.roninweb.com/Cooks/training/B8CakeDecoration.htm
you have to scroll towards the bottom of this page. You might want to do a "control" "f" and put in {rope} in the search box to find it as it is a long page of recipes, instructions, etc.
Hope it helps. 
Joan
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