diff --git a/hyde/ext/plugins/blockdown.py b/hyde/ext/plugins/blockdown.py
index 12c71f1..acb29a1 100644
--- a/hyde/ext/plugins/blockdown.py
+++ b/hyde/ext/plugins/blockdown.py
@@ -24,14 +24,14 @@ class BlockdownPlugin(TextyPlugin):
         """
         The default pattern for block open text.
         """
-        return '^\s*===+\s*([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.]+)\s*=*\s*$'
+        return '^\s*===+([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.]+)=*\s*$'
 
     @property
     def default_close_pattern(self):
         """
         The default pattern for block close text.
         """
-        return '^\s*===+\s*/+\s*=*/*([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.]*)[\s=/]*$'
+        return '^\s*===+/+\s*=*/*([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.]*)[\s=/]*$'
 
     def text_to_tag(self, match, start=True):
         """
@@ -42,4 +42,4 @@ class BlockdownPlugin(TextyPlugin):
         with
         {% endblock blockname %} or equivalent
         """
-        return super(BlockdownPlugin, self).text_to_tag(match, start)
+        return super(BlockdownPlugin, self).text_to_tag(match, start)
\ No newline at end of file