Modern sewing boxes are usually made from plastic, fabric, wicker, or other lightweight materials, but antiques and more traditional sewing box styles were often made of wood for durability and convenience. When choosing a wooden sewing box for yourself, be sure to consider where you will be doing your sewing as well as what kind of sewing you will be doing. A wooden sewing box can be fairly heavy, which means it is likely that you will keep the unit in one place, though if you intend to move the box regularly, try to choose one that is fairly lightweight and features a sturdy, comfortable handle.
The allure of the wooden sewing box is the construction: many feature drawers specially designed for thread spools or needles, or even swatches of fabric. By first determining what kind of sewing you will be doing, as well as how often you will be sewing, you will be able to determine which features are indispensable for you and which would simply be convenient. Try to choose a sewing box that is an appropriate size for your needs; if the wooden sewing box will be placed on a desk or table and left there, measure that space to figure out how large of a box will be appropriate. If the unit will be moved, try to choose a compact wooden sewing box with plenty of storage options but that is lightweight and easy to move.
Sometimes the wooden sewing box will have other convenient features such as spool dowels mounted on top of the box or fabric lining in the drawers to help protect items. The interior of one or more drawers may feature a pin cushion to help organize the various sewing needles that will be stored in the box. The design of the box itself may be considered a convenient feature in itself: drawers make for handy storage of smaller items, while a hinged top makes storage of bulkier items such as pin cushions or larger spools of thread much easier. Consider what you will be storing to find out which box will be best for you.
Try to choose a model that features attractive and durable wood at a good price. Less expensive wooden sewing box models are likely to be made out of pine, which is reasonably attractive but has a tendency to dry out and warp or crack. Hardwoods will be more expensive, but also more durable and more beautiful.